Moving from Cambridge, MA to Dayton, OH
A move from Cambridge, MA to Dayton, OH covers 829 mi and around 15h 52m 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.
829 mi Β· 15h 52m by car Β· OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, Akron, Cleveland, Stamford, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | 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 |
Dayton is 14.4% cheaper than Cambridge overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dayton is 14.4% below Cambridge β $1,041,569 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 41.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Cambridge (51.2Β°F) and Dayton (53.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 14.4% below Cambridge ($126,469 vs $43,454, ACS 5-year 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 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 Cambridge vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 65.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 86.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 14.4% lower than Cambridge (92.694 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 829 mi and the route typically takes 15h 52m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 829 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 Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Dayton, OH.