Moving from Austin to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 32% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$716/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12283
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$1,100
per month
State tax
None3.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,522
per month
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 32% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,213 |
| $50K | $34,016 |
| $60K | $40,820 |
| $75K | $51,025 |
| $80K | $54,426 |
| $100K | $68,033 |
| $120K | $81,639 |
| $150K | $102,049 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Dayton
| Expense | Austin | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $50 | $60 |
| Utilities | $170 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 32% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Dayton could save roughly $716/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,592/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $51,025/year in Dayton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Dayton to AustinAustin vs Dayton — full comparisonAustin 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