Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Wichita is 30% more expensive than Dayton.

$960/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 10%
$63,072/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 31%
$179,500 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 48%
$994/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 16%
396,488
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $19,618/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Dayton — common questions

Is Wichita or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Dayton?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Dayton?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $19,618/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Ohio?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Dayton

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville