Moving from Independence, MO to Dayton, OH
A move from Independence, MO to Dayton, OH covers 582 mi and around 11h 11m 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.
582 mi · 11h 11m by car · OH → IN → IL → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → IN → IL → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 270, SR 48 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Columbia, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Dayton and Independence is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dayton is 0.2% below Independence — $208,158 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 41.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Independence (54.0°F) and Dayton (53.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 0.2% below Independence ($59,480 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 Missouri 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
What is the climate difference between Independence and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 54.0°F in Independence (0.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 44.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Independence 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 582 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 582 mi and the route typically takes 11h 11m via I 70 and I 270. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $59,480 in Independence — a 26.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 0.2% higher than Independence (92.694 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $208,158 in Independence — a 34.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO · Dayton, OH.