Moving from Baltimore, MD to Dayton, OH
The 469 mi from Baltimore to Dayton translate to about 9h 12m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
469 mi Β· 9h 12m by car Β· MD β PA β WV β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β PA β WV β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, PA TPKE 43 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Columbus |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Dayton are 11.3% below Baltimore β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Dayton typical home at $136,592 is 11.3% under Baltimore at $188,101 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 41.7" |
Climate cools by 5.8Β°F on the annual average β 59.1Β°F β 53.3Β°F.
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: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.3% between Baltimore and Dayton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Maryland 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.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see 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 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
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 469 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 Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 27.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Dayton, OH from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 469 mi and the route typically takes 9h 12m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Dayton more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 11.3% lower than Baltimore (92.694 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 27.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Dayton, OH.