Cost of Living in Dayton, VA

With a cost of living index of 90, Dayton, VA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 11% cheaper than the national average and 15% below the Virginia state average of 104. Dayton is a small community of 2,023 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Dayton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $958 (27% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $338,000 (11% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.9x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Dayton is $87,763, which is 17% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 13% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Harrisonburg, VA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower 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.