Moving from Charlotte to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 100 for Charlotte (100 = US average). You'd pay about 17% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$627/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10083
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$1,100
per month
State tax
4.5%3.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,522
per month
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Charlotte lifestyle
Based on the 17% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Charlotte | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,200 |
| $50K | $41,500 |
| $60K | $49,800 |
| $75K | $62,250 |
| $80K | $66,400 |
| $100K | $83,000 |
| $120K | $99,600 |
| $150K | $124,500 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Charlotte vs Dayton
| Expense | Charlotte | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $365 | $361 |
| Transport | $88 | $60 |
| Utilities | $155 | $162 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,091 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Charlotte?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 100 for Charlotte (100 = US average). That's about 17% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Charlotte to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Charlotte to Dayton could save roughly $627/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,524/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Charlotte lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charlotte, you'd need roughly $62,250/year in Dayton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Dayton to CharlotteCharlotte vs Dayton — full comparisonCharlotte 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