Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Washington is 242% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,900/mo ↑ 119%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 54%
$106,287/yr ↑ 145%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 59%
$724,600 ↑ 677%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 87%
$2,103/mo ↑ 152%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 60%
672,079
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,034/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $12,408/year.

Median household income is $62,833/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Dayton — common questions

Is Washington or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Dayton?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,034/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Dayton?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $62,833/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Ohio?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Dayton details →

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