Moving from Des Moines, IA to Dayton, OH
A move from Des Moines, IA to Dayton, OH covers 583 mi and around 10h 60m of driving through 4 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.
583 mi · 10h 60m by car · IA → IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, I 80, US 51 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Peoria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Dayton and Des Moines are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.701 vs 92.694); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Dayton typical home at $136,592 is 1.1% under Des Moines at $208,166 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 41.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.9°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: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 1.1% below Des Moines ($63,966 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 Iowa 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.
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
Is Dayton more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 1.1% higher than Des Moines (92.694 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 32.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dayton, OH from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 583 mi and the route typically takes 10h 60m via I 74 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (2.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 36.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 34.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 583 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Dayton, OH.