Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Waco is 44% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,098/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 21%
$51,468/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 16%
$199,600 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 53%
$1,094/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 24%
141,925
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $8,014/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Dayton — common questions

Is Waco or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Dayton?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Dayton?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $8,014/year higher in Waco.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Dayton

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