Moving from Garland, TX to Dayton, OH
Relocating 977 mi from Garland to Dayton is a 17h 40m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
977 mi Β· 17h 40m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Plano, Irving, Frisco, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Garland | 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 |
Moderate COL drop: 10.1% cheaper overall in Dayton than Garland on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Garland -5.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Garland | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 41.7" |
Expect 12.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Garland | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 245,298 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $74,717 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.3% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.04 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.1% β $74,717 β $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 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
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 (12.5Β°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 does household income compare in Garland vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $74,717 in Garland β a 41.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Garland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $286,805 in Garland β a 52.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Dayton, OH from Garland, TX?
The driving distance is 977 mi and the route typically takes 17h 40m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Garland to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 977 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dayton more expensive than Garland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 10.1% lower than Garland (92.694 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Garland.
City profiles: Garland, TX Β· Dayton, OH.