Moving from Clearwater, FL to Dayton, OH
A move from Clearwater, FL to Dayton, OH covers 979 mi and around 18h 27m 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.
979 mi Β· 18h 27m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, GA 540, SR 4 |
| Major cities en route | Cincinnati, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.89 to 92.694, putting Dayton roughly 8.1% below Clearwater on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Dayton: 8.1% below Clearwater on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 41.7" |
Major climate step-down: 20.6Β°F cooler annual average in Dayton vs Clearwater.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 8.1% below Clearwater ($64,440 vs $43,454, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida 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
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in 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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (20.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 979 mi and the route typically takes 18h 27m via I 75 and GA 540. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 979 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dayton more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 8.1% lower than Clearwater (92.694 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 32.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 59.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Dayton, OH.