Moving from Atlanta, GA to Dayton, OH
Relocating 503 mi from Atlanta to Dayton is a 9h 42m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
503 mi Β· 9h 42m by car Β· GA β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, TN 60, GA 71 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.4% moving from Atlanta to Dayton β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $385,599 in Atlanta to $136,592 in Dayton, a 7.4% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 41.7" |
Expect 9.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.4% β $81,938 β $43,454 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Georgia and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 47.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dayton, OH from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 503 mi and the route typically takes 9h 42m via I 75 and TN 60. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Dayton more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 7.4% lower than Atlanta (92.694 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 64.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 503 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Dayton, OH.