Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Dayton, OH
A move from Elizabeth, NJ to Dayton, OH covers 610 mi and around 11h 40m 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.
610 mi · 11h 40m by car · OH → WV → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → WV → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Dayton are 17.7% below Elizabeth — 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 17.7% under Elizabeth at $534,667 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 41.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 55.5°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: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 17.7% below Elizabeth ($63,874 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 New Jersey 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
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
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
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 74.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth 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 610 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dayton more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 17.7% lower than Elizabeth (92.694 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 32.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dayton, OH from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 610 mi and the route typically takes 11h 40m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (2.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 46.6 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · Dayton, OH.