Cost of Living in Dayton, TN
Population 7,191 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Dayton is a smaller Tennessee community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $56,692 and housing costs ($152,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 35 miles northeast of Chattanooga, Dayton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Chattanooga's $259,000.
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 $152,200 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $807/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,692/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 65.3°F and lows of 45.4°F. Overall, Dayton has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less 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 | 44 | 48 | 56 | 66 | 74 | 80 | 83 | 83 | 77 | 68 | 56 | 47 |
| Low °F | 26 | 30 | 36 | 44 | 53 | 60 | 64 | 63 | 57 | 45 | 36 | 30 |
| Precip" | 4.95 | 5.13 | 5.44 | 5.47 | 5.18 | 4.93 | 5.46 | 3.61 | 4.14 | 3.14 | 4.74 | 5.34 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dayton, TN?
Dayton has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dayton, TN?
The median gross rent in Dayton is $807 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton is $152,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Dayton?
The median household income in Dayton is $56,692 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dayton, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dayton is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Dayton, TN affordable?
Yes, Dayton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Dayton?
Dayton has average high temperatures of 65.3°F and average lows of 45.4°F. Annual precipitation is 57.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dayton at a Glance
- Population
- 7,191
- Median Income
- $56,692
- Home Value
- $152,200
- Median Rent
- $807/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs