Moving from Birmingham to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 84 for Birmingham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$89/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8483
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$1,100
per month
State tax
5%3.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,428$4,522
per month
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Birmingham lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,524 |
| $50K | $49,405 |
| $60K | $59,286 |
| $75K | $74,107 |
| $80K | $79,048 |
| $100K | $98,810 |
| $120K | $118,571 |
| $150K | $148,214 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Birmingham vs Dayton
| Expense | Birmingham | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $357 | $361 |
| Transport | $40 | $60 |
| Utilities | $175 | $162 |
| Internet | $58 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,598 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Birmingham?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 84 for Birmingham (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Birmingham to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Birmingham to Dayton could save roughly $89/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,068/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Birmingham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Birmingham, you'd need roughly $74,107/year in Dayton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Dayton to BirminghamBirmingham vs Dayton — full comparisonBirmingham 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