Moving from Cleveland, OH to Dallas, TX
A move from Cleveland, OH to Dallas, TX covers 1180 mi and around 21h 21m 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.
1180 mi Β· 21h 21m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 71, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Dallas | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Dallas is 9.8% higher than Cleveland, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dallas is 9.8% above Cleveland β $115,537 vs $309,421 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Dallas -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 38.3" |
Dallas runs 15.7Β°F warmer on the annual average (52.3Β°F vs 68.0Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Dallas averages 1.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 1,299,553 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $67,760 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.46 |
Median household income in Dallas is 9.8% above Cleveland ($39,187 vs $67,760, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dallas MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Dallas average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Dallas compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,421 in Dallas vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 167.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dallas more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dallas is 9.8% higher than Cleveland (103.09 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Dallas?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1180 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Dallas?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,760 in Dallas vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 72.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dallas, TX from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 1180 mi and the route typically takes 21h 21m via I 40 and I 71. The trip crosses 5 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 Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Dallas, TX.