Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Dayton, OH
It is 1010 mi between Palm Bay and Dayton β roughly 19h 2m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1010 mi Β· 19h 2m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, GA 540, SR 4 |
| Major cities en route | Cincinnati, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palm Bay | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.005 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.064 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.731 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.3% moving from Palm Bay to Dayton β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $302,461 in Palm Bay to $136,592 in Dayton, a 7.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palm Bay | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 41.7" |
Annual average temperature drops 19.3Β°F β 72.6Β°F in Palm Bay vs 53.3Β°F in Dayton, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
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: PALM BAY, FL US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palm Bay | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,273 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $67,521 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 41.3 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.4% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.36 |
Dayton households earn about 7.3% less than Palm Bay at the median β $67,521 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 Florida 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see 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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.3Β°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
Is Dayton more expensive than Palm Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 7.3% lower than Palm Bay (92.694 vs 100.005, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Palm Bay vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β a 35.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Palm Bay to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1010 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance is 1010 mi and the route typically takes 19h 2m via I 75 and GA 540. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Palm Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β a 54.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Palm Bay.
City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Dayton, OH.