2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Dayton, OH vs South Bend, IN

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in South Bend or is it cheaper to live in Dayton?
- South Bend is 1.0% less expensive than Dayton.

Which city has more affordable housing, South Bend or Dayton?
- South Bend housing costs are 126.2% more expensive than Dayton housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Dayton or is Health Care more affordable in South Bend.
- Health related expenses are 3.5% more in South Bend.
 Dayton, OHSouth Bend, INUnited States
 Overall  Unlock79.0100
 Food & Groceries93.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock93.5100
 Housing21.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$161,900$338,100
 Utilities107  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock77.2100
 Miscellaneous107.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Dayton

Reviews for South Bend    25 Reviews

When it comes to standard of living, neighborhoods, safety, schools, wage earners and tax dollar contributing citizens Mishawaka hands down, will always made better  More

   |    Reply

Moving here is much harder than growing up here, I know from many people I've talked to. When you grow up here you learn how to interact with people, everyone will seem  More

   |    Reply

I’ve lived in the city for 4 years now and have honestly had a good experience so far. I live in a quite neighborhood and have had no issues with crime or violence.  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of South Bend


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.