Charleston vs Dayton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Charleston
Dayton
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 6.3%, with Dayton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Charleston has equivalent purchasing power to $70,588 in Dayton.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Charleston has the same purchasing power as $70,588 in Dayton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Dayton equals $79,688 in Charleston.
Living in Charleston vs Dayton
Housing Costs
Charleston's housing index of 62 is higher Dayton's 46, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $135,000. The $0 difference in home prices means roughly $0 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $850/mo in Charleston compared to $900/mo in Dayton, a monthly difference of $50.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 97 in Charleston and 98 in Dayton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $461/month in Charleston vs $466/month in Dayton. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 92 in Charleston and 109 in Dayton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $368 in Charleston 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 91 in Charleston and 114 in Dayton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 23-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $42,034 in Charleston and $43,500 in Dayton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $49,452 and $54,375 respectively. Dayton residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $981/month to housing in Charleston vs $1,015/month in Dayton. In Charleston, median rent of $850/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 23 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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