Moving from Indianapolis to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 89 for Indianapolis (100 = US average). You'd pay about 7% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Indianapolis lifestyle
Based on the 7% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Indianapolis | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,303 |
| $50K | $46,629 |
| $60K | $55,955 |
| $75K | $69,944 |
| $80K | $74,607 |
| $100K | $93,258 |
| $120K | $111,910 |
| $150K | $139,888 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Indianapolis vs Dayton
| Expense | Indianapolis | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,541 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $357 | $361 |
| Transport | $60 | $60 |
| Utilities | $155 | $162 |
| Internet | $55 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,714 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Indianapolis?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 89 for Indianapolis (100 = US average). That's about 7% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Indianapolis to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Indianapolis to Dayton could save roughly $86/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,032/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Indianapolis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Indianapolis, you'd need roughly $69,944/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