Dayton vs Hollywood
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Hollywood
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 27.9%, with Dayton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dayton has equivalent purchasing power to $104,063 in Hollywood.
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 $104,063 in Hollywood.
Conversely, $75,000 in Hollywood equals $54,054 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Hollywood
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Hollywood's 130, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $424,000. The $289,000 difference in home prices means roughly $18,780 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,725/mo in Hollywood, a monthly difference of $825.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 104 in Hollywood. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $494/month in Hollywood. Dayton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $336/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 109 in Dayton and 96 in Hollywood. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $384 in Hollywood. 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 96 in Hollywood. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 18-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 $60,300 in Hollywood. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $54,324 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 $1,407/month in Hollywood. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Hollywood, median rent of $1,725/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
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