Moving from Kent, WA to Dayton, OH
Moving from Kent, WA to Dayton, OH is a 2338 mi cross-country relocation β about 41h 24m of driving through 8 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.
2338 mi Β· 41h 24m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA β SD β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA β SD β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha, Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 111.133 to 92.694, putting Dayton roughly 16.6% below Kent on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Dayton: 16.6% below Kent on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 41.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 16.6% below Kent ($90,416 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 Washington 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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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
When is the best time to move from Kent to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2338 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dayton more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 16.6% lower than Kent (92.694 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $90,416 in Kent β a 51.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dayton, OH from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 2338 mi and the route typically takes 41h 24m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $656,314 in Kent β a 79.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Dayton, OH.