Cost of Living in Dayton, OH [2025]

October 8, 2024
Are you considering moving to Dayton but need to figure out what the cost of living is like? We did all the research for you to make your decision easy.

Dayton has multiple nicknames, but the two most popular are “the Steel City” and the “City of Bridges.” First nicknamed the Steel City, Dayton earned this recognition as home to over 300 steel-related businesses. Similarly, the City of Bridges nickname was given to Dayton thanks to its 446 bridges, greater than any other city in the world, including Venice, Italy.

Located in Allegheny County, Dayton attracts newcomers as one of the best cities in Ohio. In this booming city, residents can enjoy a mix of urban and suburban living, with an extensive offering of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and parks. Dayton is home to young professionals and families alike, with above-average public school ratings.

Those who choose to call Dayton home enjoy entertainment options galore, including three teams competing at the highest professional level in their respective sports. If you find yourself interested in moving to Dayton, you’ll want to get a better idea of your potential costs. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Dayton to understand better how much you’ll need to live there comfortably.

Cost of Living in Dayton

What Is the Cost of Living in Dayton?

The Great Miami River runs through a river walk area in the River Scape of the Five Rivers Metro parks area of Dayton, Ohio, USA.

Dayton's population is leveling out after a decline, but is an attractive option for its cost of living and as the "birthplace of aviation" and a hub of technology and innovation. Overall, the average cost of living in Dayton is a little over 20% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live. This figure accounts for groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, and other aspects that impact your daily cost of living.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Dayton?

Downtown Dayton is among the most expensive places to live in Dayton, especially if you choose an apartment with a swimming pool or packed with amenities. A one-bedroom downtown will cost around $1,200 and a two-bedroom will cost upwards of $1,400. Despite the higher costs in renovated downtown apartments, Dayton is still an affordable place to live and offers plenty of options for renters on a budget.

Where Is the Cost of Living Lowest in Dayton?

Renters can find affordable apartments in Dayton to make the most of their budget. Arlington Heights is among the cheapest places to live in Dayton, but also requires an attention to safety and your personal surroundings. A one-bedroom apartment in Arlington Heights costs around $725 and a two-bedroom will run about $825 a month.

How Much Is Rent in Dayton?

According to the latest data we collected in October 2024, the average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Dayton is $785 a month. We also pulled together the median rental prices for areas near Dayton to get familiar with pricing and plan your budget.

BedroomsAverage Rent
Studio$1,019
1 Bedroom$1,150
2 Bedrooms$1,570
3+ Bedrooms$1,438

How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Dayton?

If you're planning a move to Dayton to explore new work opportunities and enjoy life in the Midwest, you'll spend an average of $1,50 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Our most recent data shows that the rents in Dayton are slightly up year-over-year, but do show a decrease over the past month.

How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Dayton?

Our data from October 2024 also shows a slight increase in rents year-over-year for a two-bedroom apartment in Dayton. You'll pay a median of $1,570 on rent each month.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Dayton?

It's challenging to budget without knowing more about how much you spend on rent in Dayton. The 30% rule advises spending no more than one-third, or 30%, of your gross income on rent to live comfortably. If you're renting a one-bedroom apartment in Dayton that runs $1,150, you should earn at least $46,000 a year, or $22.12 an hour. For a two-bedroom apartment that costs $1,570, you should earn at least $62,800 a year or $30.19 an hour.

We also looked at the living wage in Dayton, which is $18.40 per hour for a single adult or $35.64 for two working adults with a child. This is the basic wage required to pay for essentials such as housing, food, and other necessities. Remember that the living wage is based on life led pretty frugally and does not account for any extra costs like student loan repayments, dining out, emergency savings, or entertainment.

To get an idea of how a salary in Dayton stacks up to the rest of the country, you can also look at the median household income in Dayton. It's currently $44,143 per year or roughly $21.37 per hour. The median household income in the United States is $75,149, making Dayton an affordable place to move.

Dayton Five Rivers Metropark - Apartment List

How Much Are Utilities in Dayton?

Dayton's average utilities are lower than the United States average to further reduce your cost of living. A basic utility bill in Dayton, which includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 sq ft apartment will run about $175 per month in Dayton.

These figures don't include Internet or extras like cable. Internet in Dayton (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) will increase your utility bills by approximately $69.60 and will bring up your bill to $244.60 a month. Although Dayton enjoys reasonable weather, it does experience snowy days and heat waves, which will also spike your energy bills.

How Much Is Child Care in Dayton?

If you have kids or are considering having them in the future, you'll need to factor in a significant cost for child care. MIT’s latest data shows you’ll spend around $13,412 for the annual cost of one child at daycare in Dayton. For two children, you’ll spend around $25,265.

Of course, that figure can fluctuate depending on where you live in Dayton. You may spend less in a more affordable suburb or shell out even more in an exclusive neighborhood with a childcare shortage. Choosing nanny-shares, flexible work schedules, or babysitting swaps could help reduce your overall child care costs and leave more room in your budget.

How Much Is Transportation in Dayton?

We looked over over the data at the MIT Living Wage Calculator and found single adults will spend around $10,442 on transportation each year in Dayton. A family with two full-time employed adults and a child will pay around $13,153 for their annual transportation costs.

Dayton also has a public transportation system that can significantly save costs on your annual budget. An adult regular rate on Dayton's RTA will cost $2 and children 12 and under are free. Monthly passes are $55 for ages 13 on up.

How Much Are Groceries in Dayton?

Beyond rent, childcare, and transportation, food can also require a significant portion of your income and increase your cost of living in Dayton. MIT’s latest research shows that a single full-time employed adult cooking meals at home and making their own snacks spends approximately $7,273 per year on food. That cost goes up to $9,054 for a family with two working adults and a child.

Dayton doesn't have the same kind of food scene you'll find in other Midwestern cities like Chicago, but they do have stayples like Cincinnati-style chili. You'll also have your choice of up and coming restaurants to make your new favorite haunts.

Moving to the "Gem City" and "Birthplace of Aviation" can be cost-effective while enjoying some evenings out on the dining scene. You should expect to spend $55 for two people for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant in Dayton.

Dayton Fitness & Entertainment

If you want to stay fit and want to invest in a gym membership and take fitness classes, you'll need to factor in another $35 into your monthly budget. You can also save money by looking for an apartment complex with an on-site gym or walk and bike to work and entertainment to further lower your costs. If you enjoy seeing the latest flicks, you'll spend about $12.50 per ticket, which excludes the cost of popcorn, drinks, and other snacks.

Find Your Next Apartment in Dayton

You have a solid overview of everything you need to know about the cost of living in Dayton, from housing to food and everything in between. If you're ready to make your move, you can start your apartment hunt with our quiz and start checking out thousands of available apartments. If you know you want the most affordable apartment possible, we also put together a round-up of cheap apartments in Dayton to make your search as easy as possible.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Dayton, OH 2024

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Dayton?

If you use the recommended 30% rule and rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,019 in Dayton, you should aim for a salary of $46,000 a year, or $22.12 an hour. Spending no more than 30% of your income on rent usually means you can live comfortably, provided you don't have high student loan debt or other financial issues. We also recommend looking at MIT data’s living wage, which is $18.40 an hour. This figure is the bare minimum you need to live in Dayton with no extras, savings, or debt repayments.

Where is the most affordable place to live in Dayton?

Renting a one-bedroom apartment is the cheapest apartment in Dayton and averages XYZ a month. You could also consider renting a cheaper studio apartment or teaming up with a roommate. For more affordable options in the Dayton area, consider looking in Arlington Heights where the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $725. If you want a two-bedroom apartment, you'll spend around $825.

What is the average electric bill in Dayton?

The average electric bill in Dayton is $175, but can change during snowy winter months or during a heat wave in summer. You can get a better handle on what to expect from your budget with these tips to figure out your utility costs and how to reduce them.

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Emily Kho
EMILY KHO
Emily is a professionally trained writer who covers a wide range of topics associated with the rental market and real estate industry. With over a decade of professional writing experience, Emily comes from a strong background in the field backed with a Bachelor of Science from the world-renowned William F. Read More
Susan Finch
AUTHOR
Susan is an accomplished freelance writer whose passion for rental real estate, travel, and digital marketing has been the driving force behind her nearly 15-year career. Throughout her professional journey, Susan has become a seasoned veteran in creating compelling and informative content focused on the tenant/landlord relationship. Read More

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