Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Dayton and Toledo, Ohio. Using Ohio's 1.56% property tax rate and $1,400/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Toledo edges out Dayton in affordability, saving you roughly $74/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Ohio, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Ohio's 1.56% property tax rate.
Buying in Toledo saves you approximately $74/month ($888/year) compared to Dayton, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Toledo is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $125K versus $135K in Dayton. That's $10K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $4K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Toledo, compared to $5K in Dayton. Ohio offers the OHFA Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance program (2.5% or 5% of purchase price) which applies in both cities.
Toledo has the better price-to-rent ratio at 12.3x versus 13.2x in Dayton. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Toledo is $850/month on a $125K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Toledo (pop. 270,871) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Dayton (pop. 137,644) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Toledo offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.