Moving from Boston, MA to Dayton, OH
It is 833 mi between Boston and Dayton — roughly 15h 56m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
833 mi · 15h 56m by car · MA → CT → NY → PA → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → PA → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Expect about 14.4% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Dayton at 92.694 vs Boston at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.4% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $798,217 to $136,592 moving to Dayton.
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boston | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 41.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Boston (51.9°F) and Dayton (53.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.36 |
Dayton households earn about 14.4% less than Boston at the median — $94,755 → $43,454 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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.
- 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
What is the climate difference between Boston and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 51.9°F in Boston (1.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 49.2 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 43.6 in.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $94,755 in Boston — a 54.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dayton, OH from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 833 mi and the route typically takes 15h 56m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $798,217 in Boston — a 82.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 14.4% lower than Boston (92.694 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Boston 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 833 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 Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA · Dayton, OH.