City Comparison · 2026
Dayton vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Dayton = $162k in Chicago
Metric
Dayton
Chicago
COL Index
✓0.85
1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$950/mo
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,200/mo
$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
OH
IL
$100k Take-Home
✓$76,702
$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
✓23.3%
26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$65,302
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Dayton OH | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $49,314 $4,110/mo · 17.81% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $76,702 $6,392/mo · 23.3% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $109,494 $9,125/mo · 27% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dayton or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Dayton has a cost-of-living index of 0.85 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Dayton is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Dayton is $950/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Dayton?
$100k in Dayton = $162k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 62.4%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Dayton or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $76,702 in OH (Dayton) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $65,302 in Dayton vs $49,786 in Chicago.
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