Dayton vs Vienna
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Vienna
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 9.1%, with Dayton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dayton has equivalent purchasing power to $82,500 in Vienna.
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 $82,500 in Vienna.
Conversely, $75,000 in Vienna equals $68,182 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Vienna
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Vienna's 105, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $395,000. The $260,000 difference in home prices means roughly $16,896 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,275/mo in Vienna, a monthly difference of $375.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 85 in Vienna. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $404/month in Vienna. Vienna offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $744/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 109 in Dayton and 98 in Vienna. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $392 in Vienna. 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 82 in Vienna. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 32-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 $48,000 in Vienna. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $54,545 respectively. Vienna 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 $1,120/month in Vienna. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Vienna, median rent of $1,275/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 59 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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