Moving from Dearborn, MI to Dayton, OH
Relocating between Dearborn, MI and Dayton, OH is a 201 mi drive — 3h 51m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
201 mi · 3h 51m by car · OH → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, M 39, SR 65 |
| Major cities en route | Toledo, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Warren, Sterling Heights |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dearborn | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.6% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Dayton at 92.694 vs Dearborn at 100.298.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.6% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $245,068 to $136,592 moving to Dayton.
YoY change: Dearborn +4.3%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dearborn | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 30.8" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 41.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Dearborn (49.5°F) and Dayton (53.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
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: DEARBORN, MI US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dearborn | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,846 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $65,192 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 32.6 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.6% — $65,192 → $43,454 per ACS 5-year estimates (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
How does household income compare in Dearborn vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $65,192 in Dearborn — a 33.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than Dearborn?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 7.6% lower than Dearborn (92.694 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Dearborn 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 201 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Dearborn, MI?
The driving distance is 201 mi and the route typically takes 3h 51m via I 75 and M 39. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Dearborn and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 49.5°F in Dearborn (3.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 30.8 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 35.1 in.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Dearborn?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $245,068 in Dearborn — a 44.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dearborn.
City profiles: Dearborn, MI · Dayton, OH.