Moving from Waco, TX to Dayton, OH
A move from Waco, TX to Dayton, OH covers 1086 mi and around 19h 33m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1086 mi · 19h 33m by car · TX → AR → TN → KY → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → KY → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Dallas, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Waco (92.55) and Dayton (92.694) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Dayton: 0.2% below Waco on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Waco | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 41.7" |
Dayton is 13.3°F cooler on the annual average (66.6°F vs 53.3°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 0.2% below Waco ($51,468 → $43,454, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas 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 — 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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.3°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
How far is Dayton, OH from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 1086 mi and the route typically takes 19h 33m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Waco 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 1086 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $194,245 in Waco — a 29.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 0.2% higher than Waco (92.694 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $51,468 in Waco — a 15.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Waco and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 66.6°F in Waco (13.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 37.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX · Dayton, OH.