Moving from Allentown, PA to Dayton, OH
It is 519 mi between Allentown and Dayton — roughly 10h 11m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 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.
519 mi · 10h 11m by car · OH → WV → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → WV → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, Pittsburgh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.3% cheaper overall in Dayton than Allentown on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.3% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 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 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.36 |
Households in Dayton earn about 7.3% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania 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-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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.
- 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 Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 7.3% lower than Allentown (92.694 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 53.1°F in Allentown (0.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 47.4 in.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 55.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 18.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dayton, OH from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 519 mi and the route typically takes 10h 11m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Allentown 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 519 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Dayton, OH.