Dayton, OH
Area Guide
Big-city amenities with a dose of Midwestern charm
Historic • Affordable • Active • Scenic • Riverside • Accessible
Located in western Ohio, Dayton is widely regarded as the Birthplace of Aviation. Once home to the Wright brothers, Dayton lives up to its reputation with notable landmarks like the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and Hawthorn Hill—the Wright family mansion.
In addition to a rich history in aviation, Dayton offers an extensive array of recreational opportunities. The city’s Five Rivers MetroParks provides more than 16,000 acres of green space, helping to make Dayton the “Outdoor Capital of the Midwest.” Greater Dayton also features over 340 miles of paved trails, the largest network of paved trails in the nation.
Dayton also includes a variety of metropolitan amenities, such as the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Fifth Third Field, Dayton Convention Center, Carillon Historical Park, and the University of Dayton. Getting around from Dayton is convenient with access to I-75, I-70, and Dayton International Airport.
Dayton, OH Apartments for Rent
Dayton, OH, is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the world's largest military aviation museum, offering aviation history right in the city. If you're exploring apartments for rent in Dayton, you'll find a city with history intertwined with innovation. The downtown area features lofts and apartment communities, while neighborhoods like Oregon District and Oakwood offer rentals with a mix of history and contemporary living.
For those working in tech or healthcare, Dayton's job hubs are conveniently accessible, with short commutes from most neighborhoods. The city features an arts scene, with the Dayton Art Institute and the Schuster Performing Arts Center providing cultural experiences near many rentals. Dining options include local eateries in the Oregon District and upscale dining in downtown. And if you need to travel, Dayton International Airport is a quick drive away, making it accessible for weekend getaways or business trips.
Dayton offers a mix of culture, history, and convenience. Explore available apartments in Dayton and discover what the city has to offer.
Dayton, OH Rental Insights
Average Rent Rates
What is the average rent in Dayton, OH?
The average rent in Dyton is $989. When you rent an apartment in Dayton, you can expect to pay as little as $855 or as much as $1,499, depending on the location and the size of the apartment.
What is the average rent of a Studio apartment in Dayton, OH?
The average rent for a studio apartment in Dayton, OH is $855 per month.
What is the average rent of a 1 bedroom apartment in Dayton, OH?
The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Dayton, OH is $990 per month.
What is the average rent of a 2 bedroom apartment in Dayton, OH?
The average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Dayton, OH is $1,284 per month.
What is the average rent of a 3 bedroom apartment in Dayton, OH?
The average rent for a three bedroom apartment in Dayton, OH is $1,499 per month.
Education
What colleges and universities are in Dayton, OH?
If you’re a student moving to an apartment in Dayton, you’ll have access to Sinclair Community Collage, University of Dayton, and Wright State University.
Explore the City
A water tower stands over Downtown Dayton.
The University of Dayton is a major institution in Dayton.
An aerial view of the residential Edgewood neighborhood.
Rent Trends
As of October 2025, the average apartment rent in Dayton, OH is $853 for a studio, $992 for one bedroom, $1,277 for two bedrooms, and $1,495 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Dayton has increased by 2.7% in the past year.
| Property Type | Average Rent | Average Sq FtName |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment | $992/month | 656 Sq Ft |
| House | $1,404/month | 1,166 Sq Ft |
| Condo | $1,328/month | 990 Sq Ft |
| Townhome | $1,575/month | 1,623 Sq Ft |
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Dayton. OH is 2.7% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Dayton is 15.7% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $858 - $1,501. You can expect to pay 1.8% less for groceries, 8.7% more for utilities, and 0.0% less for transportation.
Transportation
Car-Dependent
This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.
Minimal Transit
You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.
Somewhat Bikeable
You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.
Living in Dayton
Restaurants
You can find everything from fine dining, causal fare and ethnic cuisine in the Dayton area. The Pine Club, Neil’s Heritage House and the Dayton Racquet Club are known for a fine dining experience. The Racquet Club is reserved for members. BD’S Mongolian Grill is popular for the opportunity to create your own stir-fry. Osaka Japanese Steakhouse provides guests with full service Hibachi and meals prepared tableside.
The Spaghetti Warehouse is a popular tradition for anyone looking for a great Italian meal. The location even includes a railroad car for dining. Marion’s Pizza is equally well-known for excellent pizza and sandwiches. Dayton also has craft beer venues, sports bars and unique coffee shops.
Transportation
The Dayton International Airport is just minutes away from the downtown area in Vandalia. Access to the airport is easy off of I70 and plenty of parking options are available for travelers. While the airport is classified as international, it is small enough for easy navigation to terminals.
The RTA provides extensive bus transportation throughout the Dayton area and outlying communities. Service is available seven days a week with limited service on major holidays. Extra routes and reduced fares are offered for special events.
Schools
Smith Middle School
Public
Grades 4–5
453 Students
Normandy Elementary School
Public
Grades 2–5
419 Students
Dr John Hole Elementary School
Public
Grades 2–5
414 Students
Harman Elementary School
Public
Grades 1–6
413 Students
Beverly Gardens Elementary School
Public
Grades K–4
395 Students
Hadley E Watts Middle School
Public
Grades 6–8
687 Students
Oakwood Junior High School
Public
Grades 7–8
303 Students
Stivers School for the Arts
Public
Grades 7–12
787 Students
Mad River Middle School
Public
Grades 7–8
553 Students
E. J. Brown Pre-K–8 School
Public
Grades 7–8
361 Students
Oakwood High School
Public
Grades 9–12
683 Students
Stivers School for the Arts
Public
Grades 7–12
787 Students
Stebbins High School
Public
Grades 9–12
1,091 Students
Northridge High School
Public
Grades 9–12
422 Students
Jefferson High School
Public
Grades 7–12
122 Students
Points of Interest
Shopping Centers
Parks and Recreation
Military Bases
Airports
Shopping
You will find all the shopping opportunities you need in Dayton and the outlying communities. The downtown streets have an assortment of boutique stores and specialty shops. The 2nd Street Market features local items and vendors with homegrown produce and artisan offerings.
The Dayton Mall is actually located on Miamisburg Centerville Road, south of the city. This large indoor mall features over 150 shops and small restaurants. There are two other larger malls in the area to choose from. The Greene is located in Beavercreek and offers shoppers an outdoor mall setting with a movie theater and numerous restaurants. The Mall at Fairfield Commons is also located in Beavercreek with a large number of indoor shops, boutiques and a food court. The area surrounding this mall features many large retailers and restaurants.
