Moving to Dayton and the Miami Valley: Homes, Costs, Jobs and Getting Settled

Updated November 11, 2026.

A dollar goes about 7.9% further in the Dayton area than at average U.S. prices, by the federal government’s latest regional price data, and most of the difference is housing. This page gathers what you need for a move to Dayton and the eight-county Miami Valley: what homes and rentals cost, the everyday budget, starting utilities, schools, jobs, and help if rent gets tight. Every figure links to its source and updates as new numbers come in.

The area in its own numbers

The latest figures, each with its change from a year earlier, good or bad. Tap a card for the full history and sources.

Typical rent$1,320Dayton metro · Sep 2026+2.7% from a year earlierUpdated Nov 11 · Next ~Nov 18Mortgage payment as a share of income19.9%Montgomery County · Oct 2026−0.3 pts from a year earlierUpdated Nov 11 · Next ~Dec 4Median household income$66,349Montgomery County · 2024+5.9% from a year earlierUpdated Nov 11 · Next ~Dec 16Unemployment rate3.9%Montgomery County · Sep 2026−0.6 pts from a year earlierUpdated Nov 11 · Next ~Dec 3

Find a home

What homes sell for and what rentals cost, by town, ZIP and neighborhood, from MLS sales and public data.

Home Values MapMedian sale price and price per square foot in every ZIP and Dayton neighborhoodHousing MarketMonthly sales, prices and days on market across the regionRentTypical asking rent in the Dayton area, Miami Valley cities and the U.S.Ohio Rent MapRents in every Ohio ZIP code, by bedroom countHousing AffordabilityWhat a median-priced home’s payment takes of a typical incomeProperty taxes for home buyersThe monthly difference property taxes make, town by town

Plan your budget

The everyday costs that decide whether a move works: housing, taxes, utilities, gas and groceries.

Cost of LivingEvery cost we track, updated as new numbers come inHow far a dollar goes hereDayton-area prices against the national averageProperty Tax CalculatorThe yearly tax on any home value, in every taxing districtOhio Property Tax MapAll 88 counties and every taxing district, rankedElectric RatesAES Ohio’s default rate and the best plain fixed offerNatural GasThe default gas rate and fixed offersHow to shop for electricityReading the state’s offer chart before you switchTen years of Dayton affordabilityRents, incomes and home prices since 2015

Get settled

Starting service, finding schools and knowing what’s planned near you.

Utilities by AddressWho provides electric, gas, water, sewer and trash at any addressSchools MapSchool districts and buildings across the regionMy AreaEverything we know about one address or neighborhoodWhat’s Being BuiltPermits and new constructionZoning AlertsEmail alerts when a zoning case comes up near youWeatherThe forecast for the Miami Valley

Find work

Who’s hiring and how the local economy is doing.

Jobs BoardOpenings from Miami Valley employers’ own job boardsEconomic PulseThe region’s economy at a glanceUnemploymentMontgomery County’s rate against the U.S.IncomeMedian household income over timeNew Business ApplicationsHow many people are starting businesses here

If you rent

Rents, and where to turn if money gets tight.

Rental assistanceEmergency rent, deposits, utility help, legal aid and vouchers, county by county, checked weeklyRentWhat rent costs here, and how it has changed
Bookmark this page. It’s updated as the site adds tools and the numbers change. On a computer, press Ctrl+D (⌘+D on a Mac); on a phone, tap Share, then Add to Home Screen or Bookmark.

Settling in? Find a church, with service times, in the Church Finder.

More data on the region: Dayton’s Data.