Moving from Springfield, MO to Dayton, OH
Relocating 569 mi from Springfield to Dayton is a 10h 50m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
569 mi Β· 10h 50m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 44, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Dayton sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $242,870 in Springfield to $136,592 in Dayton, a 4.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 41.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.4Β°F vs 53.3Β°F 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: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.6% lower in Dayton than Springfield.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri 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 does household income compare in Springfield vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $45,984 in Springfield β a 5.5% 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 4.6% higher than Springfield (92.694 vs 88.585, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 569 mi and the route typically takes 10h 50m via I 70 and I 44. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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 569 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 Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $242,870 in Springfield β a 43.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Dayton, OH.