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Cost of Living in Dayton

Is it better to rent or buy in Dayton? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$107,316
$1,187/mo

Median in area: $1,187

$243,175

Median in area: $243,175

$48,635

If you Rent

🔑
$1,439 /mo
Base Rent$1,187
Est. Utilities$252
% of Income16.1%
Pre-tax Residual$7,504

If you Buy

🏠
$2,025 /mo
P&I (6.994%)$1,293
Taxes & Ins$480
Est. Utilities$252
% of Income22.6%
Pre-tax Residual$6,918

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Dayton?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Dayton. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,439, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,025 per month (a difference of $586).

How much do utilities cost in Dayton?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Dayton is approximately $252. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Dayton?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Dayton without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $57,560 per year.