Moving from Charleston to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Charleston lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Charleston | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,227 |
| $50K | $42,784 |
| $60K | $51,340 |
| $75K | $64,175 |
| $80K | $68,454 |
| $100K | $85,567 |
| $120K | $102,680 |
| $150K | $128,351 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Charleston vs Dayton
| Expense | Charleston | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,353 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $376 | $361 |
| Transport | $55 | $60 |
| Utilities | $162 | $162 |
| Internet | $63 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $1,797 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Charleston?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Charleston to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Charleston to Dayton could save roughly $815/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,780/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Charleston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charleston, you'd need roughly $64,175/year in Dayton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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