Dayton vs Little Rock

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 $78,750 in Little Rock.

Conversely, $75,000 in Little Rock equals $71,429 in Dayton.

Living in Dayton vs Little Rock

Housing Costs

Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Little Rock's 62, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $170,000. The $35,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,280 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $950/mo in Little Rock, a monthly difference of $50.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 94 in Little Rock. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $447/month in Little Rock. 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 88 in Little Rock. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $352 in Little Rock. 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 90 in Little Rock. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 24-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 $47,638 in Little Rock. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $56,712 respectively. Little Rock 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 $1,112/month in Little Rock. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Little Rock, median rent of $950/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 24 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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