Moving from Atlanta to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 110 for Atlanta (100 = US average). You'd pay about 25% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$855/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
11083
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,100
per month
State tax
5.5%3.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,397$4,522
per month
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Atlanta lifestyle
Based on the 25% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Atlanta | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,182 |
| $50K | $37,727 |
| $60K | $45,273 |
| $75K | $56,591 |
| $80K | $60,364 |
| $100K | $75,455 |
| $120K | $90,545 |
| $150K | $113,182 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Atlanta vs Dayton
| Expense | Atlanta | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,397 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $376 | $361 |
| Transport | $95 | $60 |
| Utilities | $165 | $162 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $1,801 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Atlanta?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 110 for Atlanta (100 = US average). That's about 25% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Atlanta to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Atlanta to Dayton could save roughly $855/month on core expenses. That's ~$10,260/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Atlanta lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Atlanta, you'd need roughly $56,591/year in Dayton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Dayton to AtlantaAtlanta vs Dayton — full comparisonAtlanta 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