Dayton vs Denton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Denton
The Verdict
Dayton is 25.9% less expensive than Denton overall. A household earning $75,000 in Dayton would need approximately $101,250 in Denton 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 Dayton has the same purchasing power as $101,250 in Denton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Denton equals $55,556 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Denton
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Denton's 126, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $385,000. The $250,000 difference in home prices means roughly $16,248 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,425/mo in Denton, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 98 in Denton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $466/month in Denton. 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 109 in Dayton and 90 in Denton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $360 in Denton. 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 114 in Dayton and 81 in Denton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 33-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $43,500 in Dayton and $73,700 in Denton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $68,241 respectively. Denton residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,015/month to housing in Dayton vs $1,720/month in Denton. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Denton, median rent of $1,425/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 80 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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