Moving from Aurora, IL to Dayton, OH
It is a 323 mi drive, roughly 6h 26m, between Aurora, IL and Dayton, OH. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
323 mi · 6h 26m by car · IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 70, I 294 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Elgin, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.5% moving from Aurora to Dayton — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $316,958 in Aurora to $136,592 in Dayton, a 10.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Aurora | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 41.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.2°F vs 53.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.36 |
Dayton households earn about 10.5% less than Aurora at the median — $90,109 → $43,454 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 323 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 323 mi and the route typically takes 6h 26m via I 65 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Aurora and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 50.2°F in Aurora (3.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 27.9 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 39.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $316,958 in Aurora — a 56.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $90,109 in Aurora — a 51.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 10.5% lower than Aurora (92.694 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL · Dayton, OH.