Moving from Minneapolis to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 106 for Minneapolis (100 = US average). You'd pay about 22% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Minneapolis lifestyle
Based on the 22% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Minneapolis | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,321 |
| $50K | $39,151 |
| $60K | $46,981 |
| $75K | $58,726 |
| $80K | $62,642 |
| $100K | $78,302 |
| $120K | $93,962 |
| $150K | $117,453 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Minneapolis vs Dayton
| Expense | Minneapolis | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $391 | $361 |
| Transport | $95 | $60 |
| Utilities | $195 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $1,676 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Minneapolis?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 106 for Minneapolis (100 = US average). That's about 22% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Minneapolis to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Minneapolis to Dayton could save roughly $705/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,460/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Minneapolis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Minneapolis, you'd need roughly $58,726/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