Moving from Lincoln, NE to Dayton, OH
A move from Lincoln, NE to Dayton, OH covers 746 mi and around 14h 17m 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.
746 mi · 14h 17m by car · NE → IA → MO → IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → MO → IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, I 74, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Dayton and Lincoln 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 1.2% below Lincoln — $291,062 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 41.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Lincoln (52.3°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: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 1.2% below Lincoln ($69,991 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 Nebraska 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
How far is Dayton, OH from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 746 mi and the route typically takes 14h 17m via US 36 and I 74. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 37.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln 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 746 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (1.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 29.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 53.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 1.2% higher than Lincoln (92.694 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Dayton, OH.