Moving from Dayton, OH to Renton, WA
Moving from Dayton, OH to Renton, WA is a 2338 mi cross-country relocation β about 41h 20m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2338 mi Β· 41h 20m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA β SD β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA β SD β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha, Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 19.9% pricier overall in Renton than Dayton on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Renton typical home at $764,375 is 19.9% above Dayton at $136,592 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dayton | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 34.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.3Β°F vs 53.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.55 |
Median household income in Renton is 19.9% above Dayton ($43,454 vs $96,626, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Renton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Renton more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 19.9% higher than Dayton (111.133 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2338 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 Dayton vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $43,454 in Dayton β a 122.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $136,592 in Dayton β a 459.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Renton, WA from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 2338 mi and the route typically takes 41h 20m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 8 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 Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH Β· Renton, WA.