Moving from Richmond, CA to Dayton, OH
Cross-country relocations like Richmond, CA → Dayton, OH cover 2366 mi and about 41h 12m 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.
2366 mi · 41h 12m by car · OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → NV → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → NV → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | 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 Richmond overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dayton is 19.8% below Richmond — $606,427 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Richmond -5.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Richmond | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 44°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 71°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 41.7" |
Climate cools by 5.5°F on the annual average — 58.8°F → 53.3°F.
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RICHMOND, CA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,396 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $90,038 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 19.8% between Richmond 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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
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.
- 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 Richmond 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 2366 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Richmond, CA?
The driving distance is 2366 mi and the route typically takes 41h 12m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Richmond and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 58.8°F in Richmond (5.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 24.4 in.
Is Dayton more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 19.8% lower than Richmond (92.694 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $90,038 in Richmond — a 51.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $606,427 in Richmond — a 77.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, CA · Dayton, OH.