Dayton, IA vs Northwood, IA

Dayton, IA and Northwood, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.2% difference in their overall index. Dayton scores 57 while Northwood scores 60 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dayton is $542/month compared to $583/month in Northwood — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dayton is more affordable at $106,900 median vs $124,800.

Median household income in Dayton is $67,396 compared to $64,615 in Northwood (+4.3%). Dayton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Dayton spend roughly 9.7% of their income on rent, less than the 10.8% in Northwood.