Moving from Hayward, CA to Dayton, OH
Moving from Hayward, CA to Dayton, OH is a 2374 mi cross-country relocation β about 41h 42m of driving through 10 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.
2374 mi Β· 41h 42m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β MO β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β MO β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 36, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hayward | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Dayton is 19.8% cheaper than Hayward 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 19.8% below Hayward β $848,427 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Hayward -6.3%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hayward | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 75Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 16.0" | 41.7" |
Dayton is 6.4Β°F cooler on the annual average (59.7Β°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: HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hayward | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 159,201 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $113,775 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 19.8% below Hayward ($113,775 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
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.
- 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 far is Dayton, OH from Hayward, CA?
The driving distance is 2374 mi and the route typically takes 41h 42m via I 80 and US 36. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Dayton more expensive than Hayward?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 19.8% lower than Hayward (92.694 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Hayward vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $113,775 in Hayward β a 61.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Hayward to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2374 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Hayward?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $848,427 in Hayward β a 83.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hayward.
City profiles: Hayward, CA Β· Dayton, OH.