Cost of Living in Dayton, NJ
Population 8,241 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Dayton sits on the smaller end of the New Jersey city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 8.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 25 miles southwest of Elizabeth, Dayton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 20% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dayton
The median home value in Dayton is $471,700 — 55% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,969/month, 50% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $141,308/year is 89% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Jersey's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.6%. The climate averages highs of 63.4°F and lows of 44.8°F, with about 26.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Dayton has a cost of living index of 153 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% more expensive.
Dayton has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 72 | 81 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 66 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 33 | 42 | 52 | 61 | 67 | 65 | 58 | 46 | 36 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.29 | 2.65 | 4.00 | 3.63 | 3.99 | 4.35 | 4.42 | 4.22 | 4.05 | 3.79 | 3.20 | 4.04 |
| Snow" | 8.2 | 8.7 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 4.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dayton, NJ?
Dayton has a cost index of 153 (100 = national average). It is 53% above the national average.
What is average rent in Dayton, NJ?
The median gross rent in Dayton is $1,969 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton is $471,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Dayton?
The median household income in Dayton is $141,308 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dayton, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dayton is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Dayton, NJ affordable?
Dayton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 153 — about 53% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Dayton?
Dayton has average high temperatures of 63.4°F and average lows of 44.8°F. Annual precipitation is 45.6". Average annual snowfall is 26.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dayton at a Glance
- Population
- 8,241
- Median Income
- $141,308
- Home Value
- $471,700
- Median Rent
- $1,969/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Jersey Rankings
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