Dayton vs Richmond
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Richmond
The Verdict
Dayton is 22.3% less expensive than Richmond overall. A household earning $75,000 in Dayton would need approximately $96,563 in Richmond to maintain the same standard of living.
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 $96,563 in Richmond.
Conversely, $75,000 in Richmond equals $58,252 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Richmond
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Richmond's 108, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $300,000. The $165,000 difference in home prices means roughly $10,728 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,400/mo in Richmond, a monthly difference of $500.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 100 in Richmond. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $475/month in Richmond. 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 97 in Richmond. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $388 in Richmond. 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 100 in Richmond. 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 $50,120 in Richmond. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $48,660 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 $1,169/month in Richmond. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Richmond, 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 62 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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