Moving from Columbus, OH to Dayton, OH
It is a 74 mi drive, roughly 1h 28m, between Columbus, 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.
74 mi Β· 1h 28m by car Β· OH
Distance & route
| Route through | OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, SR 4, I 71 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.469 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.523 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.945 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.9% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Columbus -0.5%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbus | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 41.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 906,480 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $65,327 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 33 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.1% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.36 |
Dayton households earn about 2.9% less than Columbus at the median β $65,327 β $43,454 on ACS 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
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 74 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 Columbus, OH?
The driving distance is 74 mi and the route typically takes 1h 28m via I 70 and SR 4. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Dayton more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 2.9% lower than Columbus (92.694 vs 95.469, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Columbus vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $65,327 in Columbus β a 33.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Columbus?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $245,979 in Columbus β a 44.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbus.
City profiles: Columbus, OH Β· Dayton, OH.