Dayton vs Orem
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Orem
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 31.6%, with Dayton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dayton has equivalent purchasing power to $109,688 in Orem.
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 $109,688 in Orem.
Conversely, $75,000 in Orem equals $51,282 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Orem
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Orem's 147, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $528,000. The $393,000 difference in home prices means roughly $25,548 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,400/mo in Orem, a monthly difference of $500.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 98 in Orem. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $466/month in Orem. 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 92 in Orem. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $368 in Orem. 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 95 in Orem. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 19-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 $86,000 in Orem. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $73,504 respectively. Orem 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 $2,007/month in Orem. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Orem, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 101 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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