Moving from Springfield, MA to Dayton, OH
It is 760 mi between Springfield and Dayton β roughly 14h 29m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
760 mi Β· 14h 29m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Springfield 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 $294,613 in Springfield to $136,592 in Dayton, a 3.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 41.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.4Β°F vs 53.3Β°F per 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: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.36 |
Households in Dayton earn about 3.5% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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.
- 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 Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 3.5% lower than Springfield (92.694 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 760 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 760 mi and the route typically takes 14h 29m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 53.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 15.4% 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Dayton, OH.