Abilene vs Dayton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Abilene
Dayton
The Verdict
Abilene is 0.0% less expensive than Dayton overall. A household earning $75,000 in Abilene would need approximately $75,000 in Dayton to maintain the same standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Abilene has the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Dayton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Dayton equals $75,000 in Abilene.
Living in Abilene vs Dayton
Housing Costs
Abilene's housing index of 58 is higher Dayton's 46, translating to median home prices of $179,000 vs $135,000. The $44,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,856 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Abilene compared to $900/mo in Dayton, a monthly difference of $50.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 91 in Abilene and 98 in Dayton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $432/month in Abilene vs $466/month in Dayton. Abilene offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $408/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Abilene and 109 in Dayton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Abilene vs $436 in Dayton. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 96 in Abilene and 114 in Dayton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 18-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $62,600 in Abilene and $43,500 in Dayton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $78,250 and $54,375 respectively. Abilene residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,461/month to housing in Abilene vs $1,015/month in Dayton. In Abilene, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 18 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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