Moving from Madison, WI to Dayton, OH
Relocating between Madison, WI and Dayton, OH is a 443 mi drive β 8h 41m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
443 mi Β· 8h 41m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 90, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Madison and Dayton sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $423,767 in Madison to $136,592 in Dayton, a 4.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 41.7" |
Expect 6.1Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.7% β $76,983 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $423,767 in Madison β a 67.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Dayton, OH from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 443 mi and the route typically takes 8h 41m via I 65 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $76,983 in Madison β a 43.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 443 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dayton more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 4.7% lower than Madison (92.694 vs 97.287, 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Dayton, OH.