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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Affordable alternatives to Boise
read the guide01 · the verdict
the verdict
less monthly outlay than Chicago
In Dayton, rent stops being the headline. The cost gap shows up every month without you trying.
02 · the money
a quick ledger.
$1,321/mo
39% cheaper than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
3.99%
$80/mo less in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$6,680/mo
$929 more than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$139k
62% cheaper than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
808k
vs 9.3M in Chicago
03 · the life
field notes, weather & such.
171
pleasant days a year, in dayton.
Chicago only logs 153 pleasant days.
Lighter on events: Chicago packs 92.5× more into a month.
62/100
11% lower than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Sycamore State Park, 9.9 mi.
89/100
11% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
16
93% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
04 · see also
same energy as dayton, different zip code:

