Moving from Tempe, AZ to Dayton, OH
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Dayton, OH is a 1803 mi cross-country relocation — about 32h 33m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1803 mi · 32h 33m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | 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 |
RPP moves from 103.316 to 92.694, putting Dayton roughly 10.3% below Tempe on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Dayton: 10.3% below Tempe on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 41.7" |
Major climate step-down: 18.5°F cooler annual average in Dayton vs Tempe.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 10.3% below Tempe ($77,643 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 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 — 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-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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (18.5°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
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 70.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 10.3% lower than Tempe (92.694 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 1803 mi and the route typically takes 32h 33m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 71.8°F in Tempe (18.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 8.8 in.
When is the best time to move from Tempe 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 1803 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 44.0% 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 Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Dayton, OH.