Uprootmap
Chicago vs Dayton
Chicago and Dayton
Photo: Tysto / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Dayton are above the US rate in this release, 8.8 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Chicago to Dayton
In 2022-2023, 105 households filed a move from Chicago to Dayton (about 154 people, average adjusted gross income $74,476). 174 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,782 in Chicago and $1,018 in Dayton. Chicago has a state tax on wages. Dayton has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Dayton is 92% of the national level for the same work, against 105% in Chicago.
Dayton averages 190 sunny days, with July highs around 84°F and January nights around 27°F. Chicago is 189 sunny days, 84°F in July, 20°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Dayton and 33 in Chicago.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 105 households moved Chicago → Dayton (about 154 people, average AGI $74,476). 174 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Chicago and Dayton changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 282 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,850–$3,450
- Container or pod
- $1,250–$2,350
- Rent a truck
- $500–$950
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Dig into Dayton
Questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Chicago after tax and rent?
Yes. Dayton leaves about $798 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,782 in Chicago and $1,018 in Dayton.
Does Dayton have state income tax?
Dayton is in Ohio, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 2.00%.
Did people actually move from Chicago to Dayton?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.