2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ann Arbor, MI vs Dayton, OH

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Dayton or is it cheaper to live in Ann Arbor?
- Dayton is 24.4% less expensive than Ann Arbor.

Which city has more affordable housing, Dayton or Ann Arbor?
- Dayton housing costs are 85.4% less expensive than Ann Arbor housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ann Arbor or is Health Care more affordable in Dayton.
- Health related expenses are 11.6% more in Dayton.
 Ann Arbor, MIDayton, OHUnited States
 Overall  Unlock79.8100
 Food & Groceries102.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock90.3100
 Housing143.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$104,600$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.1100
 Miscellaneous130.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Ann Arbor    49 Reviews

Over 9 years ago

Highly educated city. traffic and parking is bad. university culture is nice, not sure about elsewhere. no good pizza! if you're looking for food, I recommend "a taste  More

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Uh, compared to my other favorite college towns this one lacks flavor. Safer and kinda pretty, but not the greenest place, it's fine. Good restaurants, music, art,  More

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Over 11 years ago

Ann Arbor bus service (AATA) is quite good. The Detroit Metro Airport is only a 20 min. drive away and is also quite good. The traffic in Ann Arbor is usually mild  More

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Reviews for Dayton    32 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I've lived in Dayton Ohio for over 7 years. I live in a historic district within a short walk to Oregon district and down town. The summer concert series at Levitt  More

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Over 8 years ago

Spent years assigned at WPAFB (in Mar 90 - Aug 95') and lived in Oakwood for 5 years. We loved it and have nothing negative to say. Locals were friendly and interested  More

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I spent four and a half miserable years here. Essentially, your only employment opportunities are in healthcare or at the base. I worked at the base; they were  More

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