Moving from Downey, CA to Dayton, OH
Moving from Downey, CA to Dayton, OH is a 2178 mi cross-country relocation β about 38h 24m of driving through 9 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2178 mi Β· 38h 24m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Springfield, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Downey | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Dayton is 18.4% cheaper than Downey 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 18.4% below Downey β $888,710 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Downey +1.2%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Downey | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.0" | 41.7" |
Dayton is 11.6Β°F cooler on the annual average (64.9Β°F vs 53.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
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: LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Downey | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,793 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $87,400 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 37 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 18.4% below Downey ($87,400 vs $43,454, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.6Β°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
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Downey?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $888,710 in Downey β a 84.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Downey?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 18.4% lower than Downey (92.694 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Downey to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2178 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Downey, CA?
The driving distance is 2178 mi and the route typically takes 38h 24m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Downey vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $87,400 in Downey β a 50.3% 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 Downey.
City profiles: Downey, CA Β· Dayton, OH.