Dayton vs Nampa
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Nampa
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 23.8%, with Dayton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dayton has equivalent purchasing power to $98,438 in Nampa.
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 $98,438 in Nampa.
Conversely, $75,000 in Nampa equals $57,143 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Nampa
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Nampa's 104, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $371,000. The $236,000 difference in home prices means roughly $15,336 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,500/mo in Nampa, a monthly difference of $600.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 105 in Nampa. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $499/month in Nampa. Dayton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $396/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 109 in Dayton and 83 in Nampa. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $332 in Nampa. 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 102 in Nampa. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 12-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 $74,300 in Nampa. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $70,762 respectively. Nampa 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 $1,734/month in Nampa. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Nampa, median rent of $1,500/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 58 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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