in our guides
of 10
Affordable cities for outdoor lovers
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Best mid-sized US cities
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Best cities to leave San Francisco for
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Most vibrant and affordable cities
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Best affordable cities to retire
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Best cities for retirees who love the outdoors
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Cheapest cities in America
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Best cities to leave New York for
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Best cities to leave Los Angeles for
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Affordable alternatives to Denver
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Best cities to live in the Midwest
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Best cities for a $75k salary
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Best cities to leave Boston for
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Best cities to buy a home
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Most affordable cities to buy a home
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Best cities to leave Nashville for
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Affordable alternatives to Nashville
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Best cities where buying beats renting
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Best cities to leave DC for
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Best cities in the Great Lakes region
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Best cities for creatives and artists
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Best cities for a $60k salary
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Best cities to retire early
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Affordable alternatives to Boise
read the guide01 · the verdict
the verdict
more expensive each month than Austin
Dayton edges out a little pricier. Close enough that the decision rides on the days, not the dollars.
02 · the money
a quick ledger.
$1,321/mo
17% cheaper than Austin(vs $1,583/mo)
3.99%
$333/mo more in state tax than Austin
vs 0% in Austin
$6,680/mo
$70 less than Austin
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$139k
68% cheaper than Austin
vs $433k in Austin
808k
vs 2.5M in Austin
03 · the life
field notes, weather & such.
171
pleasant days a year, in dayton.
Austin only manages 170 of those. Cold snaps are part of the year: 34 days below 20° here, 1 in Austin.
88% fewer events than Austin. The pace eases up.
62/100
11% higher than Austin
vs 56/100 in Austin
Closest outdoor draw: Sycamore State Park, 9.9 mi.
89/100
10% lower than Austin
vs 99/100 in Austin
16
62% fewer than Austin
vs 42 nonstops in Austin

