Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Dayton, OH
It is 1798 mi and 32h 36m from Scottsdale to Dayton β a cross-country move across 8 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1798 mi Β· 32h 36m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 10.3% cheaper overall in Dayton than Scottsdale on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 41.7" |
Annual average temperature gap of 16.3Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.3% β $107,372 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 Arizona 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-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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.3Β°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
Is Dayton more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 10.3% lower than Scottsdale (92.694 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 84.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1798 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 59.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dayton, OH from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1798 mi and the route typically takes 32h 36m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Dayton, OH.