Moving from Oxnard, CA to Dayton, OH

Cross-country relocations like Oxnard, CA β†’ Dayton, OH cover 2235 mi and about 39h 35m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.

2235 mi Β· 39h 35m by car Β· CA β†’ AZ β†’ NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ MO β†’ IL β†’ IN β†’ OH

COL -16.1% Home values -82.2% Ξ” -7.9Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2235 mi
Drive time
39h 35m
States
9
Fuel (25 mpg)
89 gal
Route throughCA β†’ AZ β†’ NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ MO β†’ IL β†’ IN β†’ OH
Primary highwaysI 40, I 44, I 70
Major cities en routeSan Buenaventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Los Angeles, Santa Clarita

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

OxnardDaytonU.S. avg
All items (RPP)110.53492.694100.0
Rents152.92595.388100.0
Goods105.16893.628100.0
Services171.09672.712100.0

Dayton is 16.1% cheaper than Oxnard overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Oxnard β€” typical home
$767,291
Dayton β€” typical home
$136,592
Oxnard β€” typical rent
$2,912/mo
Dayton β€” typical rent
$1,220/mo

Typical home value in Dayton is 16.1% below Oxnard β€” $767,291 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Oxnard -0.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsOxnardDayton
Annual avg temperature61Β°F53Β°F
January avg low46Β°F20Β°F
July avg high73Β°F87Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”12.3"
Annual precipitation12.9"41.7"

Climate cools by 7.9Β°F on the annual average β€” 61.2Β°F β†’ 53.3Β°F.

Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals β€” a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023OxnardDayton
Population201,014136,741
Median household income$93,372$43,454
Median age3434.2
Bachelor's degree or higher13.4%12.9%
Avg household size3.882.36

Income gap is large: median household income drops 16.1% between Oxnard and Dayton (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Oxnard MSA β€” median wage
$48,380
Dayton MSA β€” median wage
β€”
Oxnard MSA β€” employment
315,720
Dayton MSA β€” employment
β€”

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between California and Ohio

California income tax
13.3% top marginal
Ohio income tax
3.5% top marginal

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 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

  • Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
  • I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
  • Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 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 Oxnard, CA?

The driving distance is 2235 mi and the route typically takes 39h 35m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Oxnard?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $767,291 in Oxnard β€” a 82.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

When is the best time to move from Oxnard 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 2235 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 Oxnard vs Dayton?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $93,372 in Oxnard β€” a 53.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Is Dayton more expensive than Oxnard?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 16.1% lower than Oxnard (92.694 vs 110.534, 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 Oxnard.

City profiles: Oxnard, CA Β· Dayton, OH.

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