Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Dayton, OH
It is a 52 mi drive, roughly 1h 9m, between Cincinnati, OH 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.
52 mi Β· 1h 9m by car Β· OH
Distance & route
| Route through | OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, SR 48 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cincinnati | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.37 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.954 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.751 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.608 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Cincinnati and Dayton sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $249,568 in Cincinnati to $136,592 in Dayton, a 2.8% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cincinnati +1.7%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cincinnati | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.4" | 41.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.8Β°F vs 53.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cincinnati | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,595 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $51,707 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 33 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.36 |
Households in Dayton earn about 2.8% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Cincinnati vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $51,707 in Cincinnati β a 16.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than Cincinnati?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 2.8% lower than Cincinnati (92.694 vs 95.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Cincinnati?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $249,568 in Cincinnati β a 45.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Dayton, OH from Cincinnati, OH?
The driving distance is 52 mi and the route typically takes 1h 9m via I 75 and SR 48. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 52 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 Cincinnati.
City profiles: Cincinnati, OH Β· Dayton, OH.