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.
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Key differences
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 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
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 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $147 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Columbus — that's the real price of a city.
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 saves roughly $119/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,428/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.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only