Moving from Dayton, OH to Knoxville, TN
Moving from Dayton, OH to Knoxville, TN covers 307 mi and about 5h 49m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
307 mi Β· 5h 49m by car Β· TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 275, SR 62 |
| Major cities en route | Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Knoxville and Dayton are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.694 vs 92.569); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Knoxville typical home at $369,216 is 0.1% above Dayton at $136,592 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dayton | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 55.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.3Β°F vs 57.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.28 |
Median household income in Knoxville is 0.1% above Dayton ($43,454 β $50,994, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Knoxville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,000 | $39,660 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 40,780 | $28,680 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 39,220 | $36,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,880 | $32,470 |
| Production Occupations | 33,840 | $41,910 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- 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
- Pack rain gear on top: Knoxville averages 55.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 307 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 Knoxville compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $136,592 in Dayton β a 170.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $43,454 in Dayton β a 17.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 0.1% lower than Dayton (92.569 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 307 mi and the route typically takes 5h 49m via I 75 and I 275. The trip crosses 3 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 Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH Β· Knoxville, TN.