Moving from College Station, TX to Dayton, OH
A move from College Station, TX to Dayton, OH covers 1093 mi and around 20h 13m 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.
1093 mi Β· 20h 13m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 65, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Cincinnati, Memphis, Little Rock, Tyler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for College Station (90.951) and Dayton (92.694) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Dayton: 1.9% below College Station on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 41.7" |
Major climate step-down: 16.1Β°F cooler annual average in Dayton vs College Station.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 1.9% below College Station ($51,776 β $43,454, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas 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 (16.1Β°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
When is the best time to move from College Station to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1093 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 College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 1093 mi and the route typically takes 20h 13m via I 40 and I 65. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Dayton more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 1.9% higher than College Station (92.694 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $51,776 in College Station β a 16.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $349,041 in College Station β a 60.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Dayton, OH.