Dayton vs Minneapolis

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 $99,375 in Minneapolis.

Conversely, $75,000 in Minneapolis equals $56,604 in Dayton.

Living in Dayton vs Minneapolis

Housing Costs

Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Minneapolis's 112, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $310,000. The $175,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,376 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,500/mo in Minneapolis, a monthly difference of $600.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 104 in Minneapolis. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $494/month in Minneapolis. 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 97 in Minneapolis. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $388 in Minneapolis. 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 105 in Minneapolis. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 9-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 $64,285 in Minneapolis. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $60,646 respectively. Minneapolis 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 $1,500/month in Minneapolis. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Minneapolis, median rent of $1,500/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 66 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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