Moving from Modesto, CA to Dayton, OH
A 2348 mi cross-country move between Modesto and Dayton is 41h 9m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2348 mi Β· 41h 9m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β MO β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β MO β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 36, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Reno |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Dayton at 92.694 vs Modesto at 104.108.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $446,494 to $136,592 moving to Dayton.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 41.7" |
Annual temperature drops 9.8Β°F moving to Dayton per NOAA normals.
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.36 |
Dayton households earn about 11.0% less than Modesto at the median β $77,899 β $43,454 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
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
Is Dayton more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 11.0% lower than Modesto (92.694 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 69.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Dayton, OH from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 2348 mi and the route typically takes 41h 9m via I 80 and US 36. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2348 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 44.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Dayton, OH.