Dayton vs Springfield for Nurses (2026)
Scroll down for travel nurse analysis, rent burden, and FAQ.
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Estimated annual swing
−$1,395/yr
Favoring Springfield for this income & household (illustrative).
With an extra $116/mo in Springfield, you could max a Roth IRA contribution faster and still grow your savings buffer.
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High-yield savings
Grow your move fund while rates are high
Even $116/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Travel nursing edge
Springfield: maximize take-home on your next contract
Travel nurses in Springfield often keep more after housing stipends at 4.7% state tax.
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New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Springfield resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Nurse salary cost breakdown
| Metric | Dayton Ohio | Springfield Missouri | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | 3.5%Better | 4.7% | $900/yr saves in Dayton |
| Est. monthly take-home ($82.75K RN) | $6,654Better | $6,572 | — |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,100 | $950Better | $1,800/yr saves in Springfield |
| 1BR rent burden | 17% | 14%Better | — |
| Internet / month | $58Better | $58 | — |
| Monthly utilities | $162 | $155Better | — |
| Walk score | 44 / 100Better | 26 / 100 | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83 | 79Better | — |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Nurse tax savings
Dayton saves ~$83/mo on a nurse salary
No-tax states are especially powerful for nurses and travel nurses. Put that extra take-home in a high-yield savings account.
Savings potential
Springfield: ~$4,990/mo after rent & living
Nurses with strong take-home can build wealth fast. Compare brokers and robo-advisors to put it to work.
Renters insurance
Springfield saves ~$150/mo in rent
Protect your home — nursing shifts are long and you want peace of mind when you're away.
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Springfield
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Springfield homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
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Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for nurses — Dayton or Springfield?
For nurses, the cities are comparable based on take-home pay after taxes, rent burden, and cost of living. The key differentiator is state income tax: Dayton has a lower state tax rate (3.5% vs 4.7%). For travel nurses specifically, no-income-tax states are especially valuable since housing stipends are already tax-exempt — earning more in a no-tax state can be worth $3,000–$6,000/year more in take-home pay.
How much take-home pay does a nurse earn in Dayton vs Springfield?
Based on the national average RN salary of $82,750/year, a nurse in Dayton (3.5% state income tax) takes home approximately $6,654/month. In Springfield (4.7% state income tax), take-home is $6,572/month — a difference of $82/month or ~$984/year. Note: this calculation uses state income tax only; federal taxes are not included.
What percentage of a nurse's income goes to rent in Dayton vs Springfield?
Financial advisors recommend keeping housing under 30% of gross income. In Dayton, rent consumes 17% of a nurse's monthly take-home — very affordable, leaving significant room to save. In Springfield, rent burden is 14% — very affordable.
Is Dayton or Springfield better for travel nurses?
Travel nurses on assignment typically receive a base wage PLUS a tax-free housing stipend (usually $1,500–$3,000/month) that covers housing costs. For travel nurses, the state income tax on the base wage is the primary cost difference. Dayton (3.5% rate) is more advantageous. The housing stipend covers most rent — so the $83/month tax difference goes directly into savings, compounding over a 13-week assignment to $249 extra in take-home.
How does the cost of living affect a nurse's purchasing power in Dayton vs Springfield?
A $82,750 nurse salary in Springfield (COL 79) has the equivalent purchasing power of $86,940 in Dayton (COL 83). The lower-cost city effectively gives nurses a ~5% raise with no salary negotiation required — more savings, faster debt payoff, and greater financial flexibility.
Nurse salary based on national median RN wage ($82,750/year, BLS 2024). Take-home calculated using state income tax rate only; federal taxes not included. Travel nurse stipend rules vary by assignment and employer. Data: BLS, Zillow, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026