Moving from Dayton, OH to Warren, MI
It is a 220 mi drive, roughly 4h 11m, between Dayton, OH and Warren, MI. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
220 mi Β· 4h 11m by car Β· MI β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 696, SR 25 |
| Major cities en route | Sterling Heights, Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Warren | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.2% above Dayton β 92.694 β 100.298 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Warren +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dayton | Warren |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 29.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, DETROIT CITY AP, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Warren |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 138,128 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $63,741 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 13.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.55 |
Warren households earn about 8.2% more than Dayton at the median β $43,454 β $63,741 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Warren MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Warren?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,741 in Warren vs $43,454 in Dayton β a 46.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Warren, MI from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 220 mi and the route typically takes 4h 11m via I 75 and I 696. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Warren?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 220 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Warren more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Warren is 8.2% higher than Dayton (100.298 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Warren compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $196,785 in Warren vs $136,592 in Dayton β a 44.1% 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· Warren, MI.