Moving from St. Louis, MO to Dayton, OH
Moving from St. Louis, MO to Dayton, OH covers 356 mi and about 6h 50m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
356 mi Β· 6h 50m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 55 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Dayton and St. Louis are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.088 vs 92.694); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 41.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 58.0Β°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: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 2.5% below St. Louis ($55,279 vs $43,454, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri 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.
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 far is Dayton, OH from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 356 mi and the route typically takes 6h 50m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 356 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 St. Louis vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 21.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 2.5% lower than St. Louis (92.694 vs 95.088, 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 St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Dayton, OH.