Dayton vs Eugene
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Eugene
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 30.4%, with Dayton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dayton has equivalent purchasing power to $107,813 in Eugene.
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 $107,813 in Eugene.
Conversely, $75,000 in Eugene equals $52,174 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Eugene
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Eugene's 130, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $380,000. The $245,000 difference in home prices means roughly $15,924 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,400/mo in Eugene, a monthly difference of $500.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 103 in Eugene. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $489/month in Eugene. 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 91 in Eugene. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $364 in Eugene. 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 106 in Eugene. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $43,500 in Dayton and $49,448 in Eugene. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $42,998 respectively. Dayton residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,015/month to housing in Dayton vs $1,154/month in Eugene. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Eugene, median rent of $1,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 84 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases