Moving from Austin, TX to Dayton, OH
A move from Austin, TX to Dayton, OH covers 1181 mi and around 21h 9m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1181 mi · 21h 9m by car · TX → AR → TN → KY → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → KY → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Austin | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Dayton are 5.5% below Austin — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Dayton typical home at $136,592 is 5.5% under Austin at $508,530 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Austin -5.7%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Austin | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 42°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.3" | 41.7" |
NOAA normals show Dayton running 16.7°F below Austin on the annual mean.
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: AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Austin | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 967,862 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 5.5% below Austin ($91,461 vs $43,454, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas 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.
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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.7°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Austin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $508,530 in Austin — a 73.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Austin vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $91,461 in Austin — a 52.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Austin and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 70.0°F in Austin (16.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 0.2 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 36.3 in.
How far is Dayton, OH from Austin, TX?
The driving distance is 1181 mi and the route typically takes 21h 9m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Dayton more expensive than Austin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 5.5% lower than Austin (92.694 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Austin 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 1181 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Austin.
City profiles: Austin, TX · Dayton, OH.