Cost of Living: Warren, MI vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Warren

Michigan
73
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Warren is 46% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,184/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 27%
$63,741/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 32%
$181,900 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 49%
$1,098/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 24%
138,128
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Warren, MI and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $20,287/year higher in Warren. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Warren is $181,900 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Warren vs Dayton — common questions

Is Warren or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Warren and Dayton?
Median rent in Warren is $1,184/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Warren or Dayton?
Median household income is $63,741 in Warren and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $20,287/year higher in Warren.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Ohio?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Warren or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Warren has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,184/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 Warren details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Warren and Dayton

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