Austin vs Dayton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Austin
Dayton
💡 The Verdict
Dayton is 19% cheaper than Austin overall. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $60,981 in Dayton.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Austin (left) vs Dayton (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Austin versus Dayton. Differences shown from Austin perspective.
| Item | Austin | Dayton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,280/mo | $1,070/mo | +$210.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,700/mo | $1,540/mo | +$160.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $2,180/mo | $2,170/mo | +$10.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.33 | $2.26 | +$0.07 |
| Milk (gallon) | $4.02 | $3.17 | +$0.85 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.51 | $2.76 | $-0.25 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.16 | $4.79 | +$0.37 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.41 | $3.08 | +$0.33 |
| Restaurant Meal | $14.80 | $14.76 | +$0.04 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Austin has the same purchasing power as $60,981 in Dayton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Dayton equals $92,241 in Austin.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $2626 difference is driven by Ohio having a higher state income tax rate. Texas details → · Ohio details →
Reading These Numbers: Austin (107) vs Dayton (87)
Austin at 107 is 7% above the US average, while Dayton at 87 is 13% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Austin, the composite index of 107 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 123, followed by groceries (96), utilities (97), transportation (102), and healthcare (97). Housing is the primary cost driver here.
For renters: With median rents of $1,700/mo in Austin and $1,540/mo in Dayton, the annual rent difference is approximately $1,920.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $9,600.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $93,000.0 difference in median home prices between Austin and Dayton translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Austin vs Dayton
Choosing between Austin and Dayton involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Austin and Dayton can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.