Moving from Denver, CO to Dayton, OH
A move from Denver, CO to Dayton, OH covers 1188 mi and around 21h 25m 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.
1188 mi · 21h 25m by car · CO → KS → MO → IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → KS → MO → IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 270 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Centennial |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denver | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Dayton are 12.4% below Denver — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Dayton typical home at $136,592 is 12.4% under Denver at $539,666 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Denver -4.3%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Denver | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.0" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.4" | 41.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 51.4°F vs 53.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denver | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 713,734 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $91,681 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.8% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 12.4% below Denver ($91,681 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
What is the climate difference between Denver and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 51.4°F in Denver (1.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 49.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 15.4 in.
How far is Dayton, OH from Denver, CO?
The driving distance is 1188 mi and the route typically takes 21h 25m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Dayton more expensive than Denver?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 12.4% lower than Denver (92.694 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Denver vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $91,681 in Denver — a 52.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Denver?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $539,666 in Denver — a 74.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Denver 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 1188 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Denver.
City profiles: Denver, CO · Dayton, OH.