Dayton vs Raleigh
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Dayton
Raleigh
💡 The Verdict
Dayton is 15% cheaper than Raleigh overall. A $75,000 salary in Dayton is equivalent to $87,931 in Raleigh.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Dayton (left) vs Raleigh (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Dayton versus Raleigh. Differences shown from Dayton perspective.
| Item | Dayton | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,070/mo | $1,010/mo | +$60.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,540/mo | $1,500/mo | +$40.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $2,170/mo | $1,950/mo | +$220.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.26 | $2.89 | $-0.63 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.17 | $3.88 | $-0.71 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.76 | $3.31 | $-0.55 |
| Coffee (latte) | $4.79 | $5.93 | $-1.14 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.08 | $3.37 | $-0.29 |
| Restaurant Meal | $14.76 | $18.36 | $-3.60 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Dayton has the same purchasing power as $87,931 in Raleigh.
Conversely, $75,000 in Raleigh equals $63,971 in Dayton.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $825 difference is driven by North Carolina having a higher state income tax rate. Ohio details → · North Carolina details →
Reading These Numbers: Dayton (87) vs Raleigh (102)
Dayton at 87 is 13% below the US average, while Raleigh at 102 is 2% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Dayton, the composite index of 87 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 112, followed by groceries (81), utilities (84), transportation (90), and healthcare (95). Housing is the primary cost driver here.
For renters: With median rents of $1,540/mo in Dayton and $1,500/mo in Raleigh, the annual rent difference is approximately $480.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $2,400.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $33,000.0 difference in median home prices between Dayton and Raleigh translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Dayton vs Raleigh
Choosing between Dayton and Raleigh involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Dayton and Raleigh can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.