Dayton vs Toledo
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Toledo
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 3.9%, with Toledo being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dayton has equivalent purchasing power to $72,188 in Toledo.
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 $72,188 in Toledo.
Conversely, $75,000 in Toledo equals $77,922 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Toledo
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Toledo's 55, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $128,000. The $7,000 difference in home prices means roughly $456 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $825/mo in Toledo, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 98 in Toledo. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $466/month in Toledo. 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 Toledo. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $368 in Toledo. 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 84 in Toledo. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 30-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 $42,200 in Toledo. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $54,805 respectively. Toledo 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 $985/month in Toledo. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Toledo, median rent of $825/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 30 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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