Moving from Wilmington to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Wilmington lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Wilmington | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,699 |
| $50K | $44,624 |
| $60K | $53,548 |
| $75K | $66,935 |
| $80K | $71,398 |
| $100K | $89,247 |
| $120K | $107,097 |
| $150K | $133,871 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Wilmington vs Dayton
| Expense | Wilmington | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,550 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $45 | $60 |
| Utilities | $158 | $162 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,272 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Wilmington?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Wilmington to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Wilmington to Dayton could save roughly $446/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,352/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Wilmington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Wilmington, you'd need roughly $66,935/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