Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Dayton, OH
It is a 495 mi drive, roughly 9h 24m, between Cedar Rapids, IA and Dayton, OH. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
495 mi Β· 9h 24m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, US 51, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.2% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 41.7" |
Annual temperature rises 5.0Β°F moving to Dayton per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.36 |
Dayton households earn about 4.2% less than Cedar Rapids at the median β $67,859 β $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 Iowa 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.
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 far is Dayton, OH from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 495 mi and the route typically takes 9h 24m via I 74 and US 51. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 36.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 4.2% higher than Cedar Rapids (92.694 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 33.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 495 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 Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Dayton, OH.