Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Worcester is 108% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,415/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 39%
$67,544/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 36%
$339,500 ↑ 264%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 73%
$1,521/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 45%
205,501
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $24,090/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Dayton — common questions

Is Worcester or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Dayton?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Dayton?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $24,090/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Ohio?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Dayton details →

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