Moving from Naperville, IL to Dayton, OH
It is a 314 mi drive, roughly 6h 12m, between Naperville, IL and Dayton, OH. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
314 mi Β· 6h 12m by car Β· IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 70, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 10.5% cheaper overall in Dayton than Naperville on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.5% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 41.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.36 |
Dayton households earn about 10.5% less than Naperville at the median β $150,937 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 Illinois 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.
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 far is Dayton, OH from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 314 mi and the route typically takes 6h 12m via I 65 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Dayton more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 10.5% lower than Naperville (92.694 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 71.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 314 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 77.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Dayton, OH.