Dayton vs Modesto
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Modesto
The Verdict
Living in Dayton costs 28.6% less than Modesto. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Dayton, you would need $105,000 in Modesto.
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 $105,000 in Modesto.
Conversely, $75,000 in Modesto equals $53,571 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Modesto
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Modesto's 121, 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 Modesto, a monthly difference of $500.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 100 in Modesto. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $475/month in Modesto. 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 108 in Modesto. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $432 in Modesto. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 114 in Dayton and 100 in Modesto. 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 $55,138 in Modesto. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $49,230 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 $1,287/month in Modesto. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Modesto, 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 75 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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