Moving from Denton, TX to Dayton, OH
The drive from Denton, TX to Dayton, OH runs 991 mi β about 18h 20m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
991 mi Β· 18h 20m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 70, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Irving, Frisco, Mckinney, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denton | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Dayton is 10.1% cheaper than Denton overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dayton is 10.1% below Denton β $354,135 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Denton -4.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denton | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.4" | 41.7" |
Climate cools by 12.1Β°F on the annual average β 65.4Β°F β 53.3Β°F.
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENTON 2 SE, TX US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denton | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,987 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $73,719 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 31 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.9% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.1% between Denton and Dayton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Denton to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 991 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dayton more expensive than Denton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 10.1% lower than Denton (92.694 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Denton, TX?
The driving distance is 991 mi and the route typically takes 18h 20m via I 44 and I 70. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Denton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $354,135 in Denton β a 61.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Denton vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $73,719 in Denton β a 41.1% 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 Denton.
City profiles: Denton, TX Β· Dayton, OH.