Moving from Dayton, OH to Springfield, IL
Moving from Dayton, OH to Springfield, IL covers 316 mi and about 6h 10m 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.
316 mi Β· 6h 10m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, I 72, I 65 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Dayton (92.694) and Springfield (92.745) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Springfield at $163,198 is 0.1% above Dayton at $136,592.
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dayton | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 0.1% above Dayton ($43,454 vs $65,537, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 316 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.1% higher than Dayton (92.745 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $43,454 in Dayton β a 50.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 316 mi and the route typically takes 6h 10m via I 74 and I 72. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $136,592 in Dayton β a 19.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH Β· Springfield, IL.