Cost of Living in Dayton, OR

With a cost of living index of 125, Dayton, OR is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 25% more expensive than the national average and 19% above the Oregon state average of 106. Dayton is a small community of 2,668 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Dayton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,882 (43% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $372,900 (22% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Dayton is $79,556, which is 6% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Dayton. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.9°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 42°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches spread over roughly 158 days.

Everyday prices in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.