cost of living in dayton ohio

Cost of Living in Dayton Ohio: A 2026 Relocation Guide

Dayton's total cost of living runs roughly 3% below the U.S. average, driven by housing that is about 16% below the national benchmark, while utilities run roughly 9% above it. That split is the whole decision. If you capture the housing discount without adding a second car, a drafty older house, or a long commute, Dayton saves you real money. If you don't, the cheap listing becomes an expensive household. I've reviewed enough Midwestern budgets to distrust any city ranking built on one in