| Index | Dayton | Nevada | National |
| Cost of living | 115 | 103 | 100 |
| Groceries | 101 | 102 | 100 |
| Health care | 105 | 103 | 100 |
| Housing | 143 | 103 | 100 |
| Transportation | 102 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 111 | 111 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 100 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 102 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 100 | 104 | 100 |

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Dayton is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Dayton is 115, which is 15% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Dayton cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 43.4% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Wondering if Dayton is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Dayton, for example, the median home price is 55.3% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 15.6% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Dayton boasting a median household income of $106,161, which is 30.5% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Dayton starts at 6.85% and the income tax rates start at 0%.
Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Dayton, the housing index stands at 43.4% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Dayton, healthcare costs are 4.7% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Dayton are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $113,298 | $9,442 | $2,643 | $3,399 |
| Renters | $98,385 | $8,199 | $2,295 | $2,952 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Nevada | 6.85% | 8.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Nevada | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Stagecoach, NV | 2,524 | 105 | 5.4% |
| Carson City, NV | 57,373 | 116 | 16.0% |
| Indian Hills, NV | 6,324 | 123 | 23.2% |
| Silver City, NV | 118 | 124 | 24.2% |
| Washoe Valley, NV | 2,799 | 128 | 28.2% |
| Dayton, NV | 14,811 | 115 | 14.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Destin, FL | 14,810 | 128 | 27.8% |
| Fraser, MI | 14,815 | 92 | 7.6% |
| Gaspé, QC | 14,815 | n/a | |
| Lake Stickney, WA | 14,806 | 140 | 40.1% |
| Midlothian, IL | 14,817 | 99 | 1.4% |
| Dayton, NV | 14,811 | 115 | 14.7% |