Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH
The 194 mi from Ann Arbor to Dayton translate to about 3h 39m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
194 mi · 3h 39m by car · OH → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, US 23, I 475 |
| Major cities en route | Toledo, Dearborn |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Dayton is 8.1% cheaper than Ann Arbor overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dayton is 8.1% below Ann Arbor — $523,391 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 41.7" |
Climate warms by 5.1°F on the annual average — 48.2°F → 53.3°F.
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.1% between Ann Arbor and Dayton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
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 Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 8.1% lower than Ann Arbor (92.694 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 73.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (5.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 37.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor 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 194 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 46.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dayton, OH from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 194 mi and the route typically takes 3h 39m via I 75 and US 23. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Dayton, OH.