2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Chicago, IL vs Dayton, OH

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Dayton or is it cheaper to live in Chicago?
- Dayton is 24.5% less expensive than Chicago.

Which city has more affordable housing, Dayton or Chicago?
- Dayton housing costs are 79.0% less expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Chicago or is Health Care more affordable in Dayton.
- Health related expenses are 2.6% more in Dayton.
 Chicago, ILDayton, OHUnited States
 Overall  Unlock79.8100
 Food & Groceries97.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock90.3100
 Housing99.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$104,600$338,100
 Utilities93  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.1100
 Miscellaneous139.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Chicago    270 Reviews

I've lived in Chicago city and later moved to suburbs when family size increased. Absolutely love this city. This is the cleanest and most beautiful among the major  More

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Chicago is probably the best value in a major city that you can find and my personal favorite city. It will become increasingly important as climate change makes the  More

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I've live on north side and south side, UIC medical center. Don't move here go to the north side. No good amenities, if you get bored with one there is no other choices.  More

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Reviews for Dayton    32 Reviews

Over 2 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 7 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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