Moving from Memphis, TN to Dayton, OH
Relocating 530 mi from Memphis to Dayton is a 9h 57m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
530 mi · 9h 57m by car · TN → KY → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → KY → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 65, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 92.179 vs 92.694 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 0.6% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 41.7" |
Expect 10.1°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 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: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.6% lower in Dayton than Memphis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.1°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 does household income compare in Memphis vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 15.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 63.4°F in Memphis (10.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 54.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Memphis 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 530 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 530 mi and the route typically takes 9h 57m via I 40 and I 65. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 5.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 0.6% higher than Memphis (92.694 vs 92.179, 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Dayton, OH.