Dayton vs Dover
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Dover
The Verdict
Living in Dayton costs 19.2% less than Dover. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Dayton, you would need $92,813 in Dover.
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 $92,813 in Dover.
Conversely, $75,000 in Dover equals $60,606 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Dover
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Dover's 88, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $280,000. The $145,000 difference in home prices means roughly $9,420 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,275/mo in Dover, a monthly difference of $375.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 100 in Dover. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $475/month in Dover. 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 96 in Dover. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $384 in Dover. 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 100 in Dover. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 14-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 $58,300 in Dover. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $58,889 respectively. Dover 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 $1,360/month in Dover. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Dover, median rent of $1,275/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 42 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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