Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Dayton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dayton, you need to earn at least $45,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $61,432, which means the typical resident is $16,272 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 5,674

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$790	$2,633	$31,600	$-29,832
1 Bedroom	$937	$3,123	$37,480	$-23,952
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,129	$3,763	$45,160	$-16,272
3 Bedroom	$1,377	$4,590	$55,080	$-6,352
4 Bedroom	$1,694	$5,647	$67,760	+$6,328

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Dayton's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$61,432

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$16,272

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Dayton

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Dayton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,536

Studio

$790/mo

1 BR

$937/mo

2 BR

$1,129/mo

3 BR

$1,377/mo

4 BR

$1,694/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Dayton.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Dayton's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Dayton

Living in Dayton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $16,272 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Dayton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Dayton, a studio at $790/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,377/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $55,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $67,740 would position you well — though many residents in Dayton manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Dayton, Kentucky.

With a total population of 5,674, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,808 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,160 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

2,808

Active civilian employees in Dayton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Dayton

What salary do I need to live in Dayton, Kentucky?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dayton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,160. The median household income in Dayton is $61,432.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Dayton on $61,432?

The affordability verdict for Dayton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.1%, meaning median earners have a $16,272 surplus.

What is the average rent in Dayton compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Dayton is $937/month. With a median household income of $61,432, residents spend approximately 22.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Dayton?

A studio in Dayton rents for approximately $790/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,600 to afford this.

Is Dayton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $16,272 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Dayton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,160 to the local median household income.

How Dayton Compares

Other cities in Kentucky with salary requirements