Moving from Chicago, IL to Dayton, OH
Relocating between Chicago, IL and Dayton, OH is a 290 mi drive β 5h 45m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
290 mi Β· 5h 45m by car Β· IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 70, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | 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 |
Moderate COL drop: 10.5% cheaper overall in Dayton than Chicago on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.5% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 41.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.5% β $75,134 β $43,454 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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 does household income compare in Chicago vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 42.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 10.5% lower than Chicago (92.694 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 56.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 290 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 290 mi and the route typically takes 5h 45m via I 65 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Dayton, OH.