Moving from Columbus to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 91 for Columbus (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$147/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9183
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,250$1,100
per month
State tax
3%3.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,553$4,522
per month
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Columbus lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Columbus | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,484 |
| $50K | $45,604 |
| $60K | $54,725 |
| $75K | $68,407 |
| $80K | $72,967 |
| $100K | $91,209 |
| $120K | $109,451 |
| $150K | $136,813 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Columbus vs Dayton
| Expense | Columbus | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,553 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $361 | $361 |
| Transport | $62 | $60 |
| Utilities | $155 | $162 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,665 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Columbus?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 91 for Columbus (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Columbus to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Columbus to Dayton could save roughly $147/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,764/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Columbus lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Columbus, you'd need roughly $68,407/year in Dayton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Dayton to ColumbusColumbus vs Dayton — full comparisonColumbus 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