Cost of Living: Dayton vs Milwaukee (2026)
Dayton has a 7% lower overall cost of living than Milwaukee as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,100/mo in Dayton vs $1,350/mo in Milwaukee — a 19% difference. Dayton has a lower state income tax rate (3.5% vs 7.7%), which adds up over time.
- Dayton is 7% cheaper overall (COL index: 83 vs 89)
- 1BR rent: $1,100/mo in Dayton vs $1,350/mo — 19% savings
- Higher median household income: Milwaukee ($56,000/yr vs $50,000/yr)
- Median home price: $200,000 in Dayton vs $260,000 — 23% difference
| Category | Dayton Ohio | Milwaukee Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $900Best | $1,100 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,100Best | $1,350 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,450Best | $1,800 |
| Median home price | $200KBest | $260K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 95Best | 98 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $13 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $54 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $60Best | $72 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10Best | $3.20 |
| Car insurance/mo | $148Best | $148 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $162Best | $168 |
| Internet/mo | $58Best | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $50K | $56KBest |
| State income tax% | 3.5%Best | 7.7% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.2% | 5.4%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $14.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $35Best | $38 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Best | $6.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83Best | 89 |
| Walk score / 100 | 44 | 62Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Milwaukee?
Yes. Dayton is 7% cheaper than Milwaukee based on overall cost of living indices (83 vs 89, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Dayton vs Milwaukee?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Dayton is $1,100/month and in Milwaukee is $1,350/month. Dayton is cheaper by 19%.
How much do I need to earn in Milwaukee to match a $75,000 salary in Dayton?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $80,422/year in Milwaukee to match a $75,000 salary in Dayton. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Dayton or Milwaukee?
Dayton has the lower state income tax rate at 3.5% vs 7.7%. The difference is 4.2 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Dayton to Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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