Dayton, IA vs Denver, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Dayton is 21.4% cheaper than Denver. With a cost index of 57 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Dayton to Denver should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dayton is $542/month compared to $788/month in Denver — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dayton is more affordable at $106,900 median vs $221,100.

Median household income in Dayton is $67,396 compared to $90,156 in Denver (-25.2%). While Denver is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dayton spend roughly 9.7% of their income on rent, less than the 10.5% in Denver.