Is Dayton, OH cheaper than Joliet, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Dayton, OH is 9.9% cheaper than Joliet, IL. This translates to saving $739 per month.

What salary do I need in Dayton, OH to live like I do in Joliet, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Joliet, IL, you'd need approximately $141,131.739 in Dayton, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Joliet, IL and Dayton, OH?

Housing in Dayton, OH is 17.5% cheaper than in Joliet, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,228/month in Dayton, OH compared to $1,253/month in Joliet, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Joliet, IL to Dayton, OH?

Moving from Joliet, IL to Dayton, OH could save you approximately $739 per month, or $8868 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Joliet, IL vs Dayton, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Joliet, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $739/month moving to Dayton, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.1K in Dayton, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$739

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Joliet, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$205K

Dayton, OH

Population:136K

Cost Index:

(10% below avg)

Median Home:$112K

Joliet, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 150K residents.

Dayton, OH

The Buckeye State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 136K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Joliet, IL vs Dayton, OH

Category	Joliet, IL	Dayton, OH	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,558/mo	$2,110/mo	↓ $448less	17.5%
Transportation	$1,557/mo	$1,234/mo	↓ $323less	20.8%
Groceries	$991/mo	$926/mo	↓ $64.77less	6.5%
All Utilities	$500/mo	$468/mo	↓ $31.86less	6.4%
Healthcare	$573/mo	$568/mo	↓ $4.65less	0.8%
Other	$1,629/mo	$1,631/mo	↑ $1.75more	0.1%

Housing

↓ 17.5%

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Dayton, OH

$2,110

Difference

$448

less

Transportation

↓ 20.8%

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Dayton, OH

$1,234

Difference

$323

less

Groceries

↓ 6.5%

Joliet, IL

$991

Dayton, OH

$926

Difference

$64.77

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.4%

Joliet, IL

$500

Dayton, OH

$468

Difference

$31.86

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.8%

Joliet, IL

$573

Dayton, OH

$568

Difference

$4.65

less

Other

↑ 0.1%

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Dayton, OH

$1,631

Difference

$1.75

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Dayton, OH: Dayton Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Joliet, IL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,040

To$893

↓ $147

1 Bed

From$1,111

To$974

↓ $137

2 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,228

↓ $25.00

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,593

↓ $22.00

Joliet, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$1,610/mo

Dayton, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $790–$1,430/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,807

Monthly in Joliet, IL

$6,936

Monthly in Dayton, OH

$871

Difference

Home Values

Joliet

Dayton

$205K

Median Value

$112K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↑ +1.4%

↑ +36.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +37%

$198K - $339K

Price Range

$72K - $307K

Homes in Dayton are 46% less expensive than Joliet

Calculate payment - Joliet Calculate payment - Dayton

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$250

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Joliet, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Dayton, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Joliet, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Dayton, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.