Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Dayton, OH
Cross-country relocations like Los Angeles, CA → Dayton, OH cover 2190 mi and about 38h 42m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2190 mi · 38h 42m by car · CA → AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Santa Clarita, Torrance, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Inglewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Los Angeles | 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 |
RPP moves from 113.566 to 92.694, putting Dayton roughly 18.4% below Los Angeles on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Dayton: 18.4% below Los Angeles on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Los Angeles -1.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Los Angeles | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 48°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 78°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.1" | 41.7" |
Climate cools by 10.5°F on the annual average — 63.8°F → 53.3°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CULVER CITY, CA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Los Angeles | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,857,897 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $80,366 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.5% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 18.4% between Los Angeles and Dayton (ACS 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.5°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 Los Angeles?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $952,183 in Los Angeles — a 85.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2190 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Los Angeles and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 63.8°F in Los Angeles (10.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 14.1 in.
Is Dayton more expensive than Los Angeles?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 18.4% lower than Los Angeles (92.694 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Los Angeles, CA?
The driving distance is 2190 mi and the route typically takes 38h 42m 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 Los Angeles vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $80,366 in Los Angeles — a 45.9% 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 Los Angeles.
City profiles: Los Angeles, CA · Dayton, OH.