Moving from Lansing to Dayton (2026)

Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 85 for Lansing (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$93/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline

Key differences

COL index
8583
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$1,100
per month
State tax
4.1%3.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,484$4,522
per month

Salary needed in Dayton to match your Lansing lifestyle

Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in LansingEquivalent in Dayton
$40K$39,059
$50K$48,824
$60K$58,588
$75K$73,235
$80K$78,118
$100K$97,647
$120K$117,176
$150K$146,471

Monthly budget at $75K — Lansing vs Dayton

ExpenseLansingDayton
Monthly take-home$4,484$4,522
1BR rent$1,200$1,100
Groceries$361$361
Transport$55$60
Utilities$158$162
Internet$60$58
Left after essentials$2,650$2,781

Frequently asked questions

Is Dayton cheaper than Lansing?

Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 85 for Lansing (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Lansing to Dayton?

On a $75K salary, moving from Lansing to Dayton could save roughly $93/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,116/year.

What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Lansing lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Lansing, you'd need roughly $73,235/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