Dayton, WA vs Mead, WA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Dayton is 18.8% cheaper than Mead. With a cost index of 84 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Dayton to Mead should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dayton is $926/month compared to $1,216/month in Mead — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dayton is more affordable at $223,900 median vs $379,600.

Median household income in Dayton is $71,687 compared to $76,010 in Mead (-5.7%). Mead does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Dayton spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 19.2% in Mead.

Climate-wise, Dayton is notably warmer with an average of 54.3°F compared to 49.8°F in Mead. Dayton receives more rainfall at 18.7" per year compared to 17.4" in Mead.