Cost of Living in Dayton, OH
Population 136,741 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Dayton run well below national norms — a median of $43,454 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $93,000). At 9.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
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 $93,200 — 69% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $866/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,454/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 63.4°F and lows of 44.5°F, with about 25" of annual snowfall. Overall, Dayton has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 37 | 41 | 52 | 65 | 74 | 83 | 86 | 85 | 79 | 66 | 53 | 42 |
| Low °F | 22 | 25 | 33 | 43 | 54 | 63 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 46 | 35 | 27 |
| Precip" | 3.08 | 2.35 | 3.50 | 4.46 | 4.51 | 4.14 | 3.95 | 2.96 | 3.31 | 2.95 | 3.07 | 3.05 |
| Snow" | 8.3 | 6.6 | 3.9 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 4.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dayton, OH?
Dayton has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dayton, OH?
The median gross rent in Dayton is $866 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton is $93,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Dayton?
The median household income in Dayton is $43,454 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dayton, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dayton is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Dayton, OH affordable?
Yes, Dayton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Dayton?
Dayton has average high temperatures of 63.4°F and average lows of 44.5°F. Annual precipitation is 41.3". Average annual snowfall is 25". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dayton at a Glance
- Population
- 136,741
- Median Income
- $43,454
- Home Value
- $93,200
- Median Rent
- $866/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
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