Direct Answer
Dayton, OH has a CostOfCity index of 82, which is 18% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,042/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,326/month.
How to Use This City Page
Cost of Living in Dayton: The Full Picture
Dayton, OH sits 18% below the national cost-of-living average — but that single number hides a complex story. Some categories (like insurance and legal fees) deviate more than others. Median income here is $33K, and a practical, no-nonsense culture where 'good enough' isn't settling — it's smart financial thinking. Explore each category below.
Dayton Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Dayton cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Dayton has a community where local business owners price for neighbors, not tourists — and it shows in every quote you get
The housing market features one of America's more affordable housing markets, where homeownership is within reach for most working families
Temperature swings of 100+ degrees between seasons mean your HVAC system works harder than in any other region.. The lifestyle here is characterized by A practical, no-nonsense culture where 'good enough' isn't settling — it's smart financial thinking..
Dayton is a standout value market. With costs sitting 18% below average, it's one of the most budget-friendly metros we track. Quality of life per dollar spent here is hard to beat.
💰 Purchasing Power in Dayton
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Dayton, your dollar buys 22% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Dayton Costs More
🔽 Where Dayton Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Dayton
What it actually costs to live in Dayton each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Dayton's cost index of 82 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Smart residents of Dayton know that the metro-wide cost index of 82 masks real diversity. Areas near major employers, university districts, and gentrifying neighborhoods each have their own pricing dynamics. Even the 'expensive' parts of town are reasonable by national standards.
Dayton vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Dayton
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-6%HVAC Installation
-38%Plumbing Services
-14%Electrical Work
-45%Kitchen Remodel
+1%Bathroom Remodel
-4%House Painting
-42%Flooring Installation
-16%Landscaping
-17%Fence Installation
-45%Window Replacement
-39%Solar Panel Installation
-25%Water Heater Replacement
-5%Deck Building
-45%Pool Installation
-27%Tree Removal
-42%Garage Door Repair
-39%💼 Business Startup Costs in Dayton
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-35%Start a Coffee Shop
-29%Start a Food Truck
-21%Start a Gym
-45%Start a Daycare
-3%Start a Hair Salon
-22%Start a Laundromat
-42%Start a Bakery
-16%Start a Bar
-6%Start a Cleaning Business
-26%Start an Airbnb
-19%Start a Trucking Business
-16%📊 Cost of Living in Dayton
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-17%Rent Prices
-26%Grocery Costs
-28%Utility Costs
-20%Transportation Costs
-9%Childcare Costs
-8%Gym Membership
-10%🛡️ Insurance in Dayton
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
+1%Home Insurance
-24%Health Insurance
-4%Business Insurance
-26%Life Insurance
-42%Renters Insurance
-32%Pet Insurance
-29%Dental Insurance
-13%Motorcycle Insurance
-16%⚖️ Legal Services in Dayton
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-18%Divorce Lawyer
-7%DUI Lawyer
-20%Immigration Lawyer
-29%Estate Planning Lawyer
-22%Workers Comp Lawyer
-21%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-6%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Dayton
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-23%Registered Nurse Salary
-11%Teacher Salary
+3%Electrician Salary
+1%Plumber Salary
-31%Accountant Salary
-23%Physical Therapist Salary
-37%Police Officer Salary
-29%Dentist Salary
-31%Real Estate Agent Salary
-20%How Much Income Do You Need in Dayton?
✅ Best For
- First-time business owners
- Retirees on fixed incomes
- Remote workers keeping coastal salaries
- Anyone building an emergency fund
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
Before moving to Dayton, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. You may be pleasantly surprised by how far your income goes.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dayton
How does Dayton compare to other cities in OH?
Within Ohio, Dayton has a cost index of 82. Nearby options include Cincinnati and Columbus, which offer useful comparison points.
Is Dayton, OH expensive to live in?
Dayton's cost of living index is 82, which is 18% below the national average of 100. Dayton is one of the more affordable US cities.
What is the median household income in Dayton?
The median household income in Dayton is approximately $33,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 82), this goes further than in many US cities.
Explore Dayton in Depth
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Compare Dayton Costs Nationally
See how Dayton ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Dayton cost & affordability searches
- → Rent prices in Dayton, OH
- → Salary needed to live in Dayton
- → Monthly budget for a single adult in Dayton
- → Healthcare cost in Dayton
- → Grocery cost in Dayton
- → Utility bills in Dayton
- → Childcare cost in Dayton
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- → Can I afford Dayton on $100K?
- → Living alone in Dayton: solo budget