Cost of Living in Dayton, TX

Population 9,121 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

72
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Dayton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $212,000. At 7.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 30 miles northeast of Pasadena, Dayton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 9% higher than Pasadena's $194,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 69
Rent 76

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Dayton

The median home value in Dayton is $211,900 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,002/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,307/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 80.5°F and lows of 60.5°F. Overall, Dayton has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$211,900
31% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$298,525
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,002/mo
24% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,350/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.6x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$766
1 BR
$811
2 BR
$981
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,509
Owner-occupied 65.3%
Renter-occupied 34.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,002
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,616/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
36.3 min
34% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.5%
Carpooled
13.7%
Work from home
10.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$61,307
18% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,307
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
59% above avg
Poverty Rate
18.8%
Labor Force Participation
58.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.7%
Graduate degree 5.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32
Male median age 30.8
Female median age 35.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
80.5°F
Avg Low
60.5°F
Annual Precip
51.8"
Annual Snowfall
0.1"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 646874808792959590837365
Low °F 444854606874767571615246
Precip" 3.762.973.473.955.016.003.774.844.715.463.874.03
Snow" 0.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dayton, TX?

Dayton has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.

What is average rent in Dayton, TX?

The median gross rent in Dayton is $1,002 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dayton?

The median home value in Dayton is $211,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Dayton?

The median household income in Dayton is $61,307 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dayton, TX?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dayton is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.

Is Dayton, TX affordable?

Yes, Dayton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Dayton?

Dayton has average high temperatures of 80.5°F and average lows of 60.5°F. Annual precipitation is 51.8". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Dayton at a Glance

Population
9,121
Median Income
$61,307
Home Value
$211,900
Median Rent
$1,002/mo
Unemployment
7.7%
Avg High Temp
80.5°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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