Moving from Ann Arbor to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 105 for Ann Arbor (100 = US average). You'd pay about 21% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$683/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10583
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,100
per month
State tax
4.1%3.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,484$4,522
per month
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Ann Arbor lifestyle
Based on the 21% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Ann Arbor | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,619 |
| $50K | $39,524 |
| $60K | $47,429 |
| $75K | $59,286 |
| $80K | $63,238 |
| $100K | $79,048 |
| $120K | $94,857 |
| $150K | $118,571 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Ann Arbor vs Dayton
| Expense | Ann Arbor | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,484 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $384 | $361 |
| Transport | $65 | $60 |
| Utilities | $162 | $162 |
| Internet | $63 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,060 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Ann Arbor?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 105 for Ann Arbor (100 = US average). That's about 21% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Ann Arbor to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Ann Arbor to Dayton could save roughly $683/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,196/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Ann Arbor lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Ann Arbor, you'd need roughly $59,286/year in Dayton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Dayton to Ann ArborAnn Arbor vs Dayton — full comparisonAnn Arbor cost of livingDayton cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only