Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Virginia Beach is 134% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,649/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 47%
$90,685/yr ↑ 109%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 52%
$366,300 ↑ 293%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 75%
$1,704/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 51%
457,066
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $783/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $9,396/year.

Median household income is $47,231/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Dayton — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Dayton?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $783/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Dayton?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $47,231/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Ohio?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Dayton details →

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