Moving from Dayton, OH to Waco, TX
A move from Dayton, OH to Waco, TX covers 1086 mi and around 19h 33m 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.
1086 mi · 19h 33m by car · TX → AR → TN → KY → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → KY → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Dallas, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Waco and Dayton are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.694 vs 92.55); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Waco typical home at $194,245 is 0.2% above Dayton at $136,592 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dayton | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 37.5" |
Waco runs 13.3°F warmer on the annual average (53.3°F vs 66.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Waco sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Waco is 0.2% above Dayton ($43,454 → $51,468, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
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 — 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
- 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 Waco average 95°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 (13.3°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
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1086 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Waco, TX from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 1086 mi and the route typically takes 19h 33m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $136,592 in Dayton — a 42.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Waco more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 0.2% lower than Dayton (92.55 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $43,454 in Dayton — a 18.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Dayton and Waco?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Waco vs 53.3°F in Dayton (13.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 12.3 in. Annual precipitation: 37.5 in vs 41.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH · Waco, TX.