Dayton, OH Salary Guide: What a $100,000 Paycheck Actually Looks Like

You don’t need a six-figure salary to live well in Dayton, Ohio. But if you do earn $100,000, you aren't just surviving—you’re winning.

While coastal cities demand you hemorrhage cash for a shoebox apartment, Dayton offers a financial breathing room that feels almost illegal. But let’s cut through the hype. We’re breaking down the math, the tax bill, and the precise budget that turns a "sticker price" salary into real-world wealth.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let's start with the cold, hard math. You signed an offer letter for $100,000, but that is not the number that hits your bank account. In the financial world, we call the difference between your gross salary and your net pay the "Tax Drag."

Here is the reality of a Dayton paycheck:

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax: -$3,500
• Local Tax: $0
• Total Deductions: -$24,764

Your Net Take-Home Pay: $75,236

That is a 24.8% tax burden. You keep roughly 75 cents for every dollar you earn.

The Gap Analysis

In high-tax states like New York or California, that gap would be significantly wider—closer to 35% or more. In Dayton, the absence of a local city tax helps, but the State Tax of $3,500 is still a hit.

However, looking at that $75,236 net figure, the "loss" is mitigated by the local economy. While you lose nearly $25k to taxes, the cost of living in Dayton acts as a massive financial shield, protecting the purchasing power of that remaining $75k.

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Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net income of $6,270, we apply the 50/30/20 rule: 50% to Needs, 30% to Wants, and 20% to Savings.

Needs ($3,135/mo)

Can you afford rent?
Absolutely. Dayton is one of the few major metros where the median rent for a nice one-bedroom apartment ($900–$1,100) is easily covered by the "Needs" bucket.

If you spend $1,100 on a high-end apartment in Oregon District or Kettering, you still have $2,035 left for utilities, insurance, and groceries. That is a massive surplus compared to cities like Austin, where rent alone consumes 50% of this budget.

Wants ($1,881/mo)

This is your "Lifestyle Fund." In Dayton, $1,881 goes a long way. You can hit the bars on 5th Third Field, maintain a decent gym membership, and still have cash left for weekend trips to Cincinnati or Columbus. Most importantly, you don't have to stress about a dinner tab.

Savings ($1,254/mo)

Wealth Creation.
Saving $1,254 monthly is the real metric of financial health. That is $15,048 per year.
If you invest this in a standard index fund averaging 7% returns, you are building a serious nest egg. This is the "Dayton Advantage"—saving a high-income amount while living with low-income expenses.

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Dayton Taxes vs. The Competition

How does the Gem City stack up against the heavy hitters?

• Vs. New York City, NY:
  In NYC, a $100k salary gets nuked by city, state, and federal taxes. Your take-home would drop closer to $65,000. Dayton puts an extra $10,000 in your pocket annually.
• Vs. Austin, TX:
  Texas has "no state income tax," so your take-home there is roughly $76,000—about the same as Dayton. However, Austin rents are easily double or triple Dayton rents. Therefore, Dayton offers a higher standard of living than Austin for the exact same tax burden.

The Verdict: Dayton’s tax rate is moderate, but its cost-adjusted tax impact is elite.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Dayton?
Ohio utilizes a progressive tax structure (though simplified recently). On a $100,000 salary, your effective State Income Tax rate is approximately 3.5%. Combined with Federal (approx 13.6%) and FICA (7.65%), your total effective tax rate is roughly 24.8%.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Dayton?
Yes. It is an excellent salary. The median household income in Dayton is roughly $45,000 to $55,000. Earning $100k as a single person puts you in a tier of high purchasing power, allowing you to afford a modern apartment, save aggressively, and enjoy the city without financial anxiety.

Q: Does Dayton have a local city tax?
No. Dayton itself does not levy a local income tax on residents. This is a significant financial advantage compared to surrounding suburbs or other Ohio cities that charge up to 2.5% locally. (Note: You still pay RITA if you work in a township that has a tax, but living in Dayton proper is tax-neutral locally).

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• Sources: IRS 2024 Tax Tables (Projected 2025/2026 brackets), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) CPI & Wage Data, Ohio Department of Taxation, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Tax brackets vary by individual filing status.