Dayton vs Scranton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Scranton
The Verdict
Living in Dayton costs 11.1% less than Scranton. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Dayton, you would need $84,375 in Scranton.
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 $84,375 in Scranton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Scranton equals $66,667 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Scranton
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Scranton's 65, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $195,000. The $60,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,900 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,025/mo in Scranton, a monthly difference of $125.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 98 in Scranton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $466/month in Scranton. 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 102 in Scranton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $408 in Scranton. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 114 in Dayton and 90 in Scranton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 24-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 $49,500 in Scranton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $55,000 respectively. Scranton 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 $1,155/month in Scranton. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Scranton, median rent of $1,025/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 24 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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