Dayton, IA vs Sumner, IA

Dayton, IA and Sumner, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.5% difference in their overall index. Dayton scores 57 while Sumner scores 58 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 $598/month in Sumner — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dayton is more affordable at $106,900 median vs $111,900.

Median household income in Dayton is $67,396 compared to $56,174 in Sumner (+20%). 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 12.8% in Sumner.