Columbus, OH vs Dayton, OH: Cost of Living Comparison
Dayton has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Columbus | Dayton | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 82 | 58 | Dayton |
| Housing | 67 ($857) | 27 ($606) | Dayton |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 112 ($3.50) | Columbus |
| Food & groceries | 87 ($357) | 58 ($238) | Dayton |
| Utilities | 84 ($121) | 64 ($49) | Dayton |
| Healthcare | 84 ($87) | 64 ($35) | Dayton |
| Median annual wage | 102 ($49,380) | 102 ($49,380) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus, OH or Dayton, OH cheaper to live in?
Dayton, OH is cheaper overall by about 24 index points (Columbus, OH: 82, Dayton, OH: 58; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Columbus, OH vs Dayton, OH?
A single adult needs roughly $28,700/year in Columbus, OH and $20,300/year in Dayton, OH to cover basic living costs.