Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Dayton, OH
A move from Colorado Springs, CO to Dayton, OH covers 1176 mi and around 21h 41m of driving through 6 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.
1176 mi · 21h 41m by car · CO → KS → MO → IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → KS → MO → IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 24 |
| Major cities en route | Topeka, Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.707 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.195 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 116.207 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Dayton is 8.0% cheaper than Colorado Springs overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dayton is 8.0% below Colorado Springs — $449,452 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 41.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Colorado Springs (50.5°F) and Dayton (53.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 8.0% below Colorado Springs ($83,198 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 Colorado 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 — 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 far is Dayton, OH from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 1176 mi and the route typically takes 21h 41m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Colorado Springs and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 50.5°F in Colorado Springs (2.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 32.5 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 15.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1176 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dayton more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 8.0% lower than Colorado Springs (92.694 vs 100.707, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs — a 69.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs — a 47.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Colorado Springs.
City profiles: Colorado Springs, CO · Dayton, OH.