Moving from Springfield, IL to Dayton, OH
Moving from Springfield, IL to Dayton, OH covers 316 mi and about 6h 10m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
316 mi Β· 6h 10m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, I 72, I 65 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.745 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.406 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.616 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Springfield (92.745) and Dayton (92.694) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Dayton ZHVI at $136,592 is 0.1% below Springfield at $163,198.
YoY change: Springfield +8.2%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.4" | 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: SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,714 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $65,537 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 40.7 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 0.1% below Springfield ($65,537 vs $43,454, ACS 5-year 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 Springfield, IL?
The driving distance is 316 mi and the route typically takes 6h 10m via I 74 and I 72. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $163,198 in Springfield β a 16.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 316 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 Springfield vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $65,537 in Springfield β a 33.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 0.1% lower than Springfield (92.694 vs 92.745, 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, IL Β· Dayton, OH.