Moving from Toledo, OH to Dayton, OH
Moving from Toledo, OH to Dayton, OH covers 149 mi and about 2h 47m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
149 mi · 2h 47m by car · OH
Distance & route
| Route through | OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, SR 51 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Toledo | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.455 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.285 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 67.317 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Dayton and Toledo are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.455 vs 92.694); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.4% higher in Dayton than Toledo as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Toledo +5.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Toledo | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 85°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 41.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 51.4°F vs 53.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Toledo | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,461 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $47,532 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 1.4% below Toledo ($47,532 → $43,454, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Toledo vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $47,532 in Toledo — a 8.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Toledo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $129,627 in Toledo — a 5.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Toledo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 1.4% higher than Toledo (92.694 vs 91.455, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Toledo, OH?
The driving distance is 149 mi and the route typically takes 2h 47m via I 75 and SR 51. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Toledo 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 149 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Toledo.
City profiles: Toledo, OH · Dayton, OH.