Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Dayton, OH
The drive from Minneapolis, MN to Dayton, OH runs 700 mi β about 13h 11m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
700 mi Β· 13h 11m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, MN 55, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Madison, Rockford, Elgin, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Dayton are 11.6% below Minneapolis β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Dayton typical home at $136,592 is 11.6% under Minneapolis at $330,882 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 41.7" |
Climate warms by 7.5Β°F on the annual average β 45.8Β°F β 53.3Β°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 33 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.6% between Minneapolis and Dayton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 β 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 Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 58.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 45.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 700 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dayton more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 11.6% lower than Minneapolis (92.694 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 700 mi and the route typically takes 13h 11m via I 94 and MN 55. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Dayton, OH.