Moving from Worcester, MA to Dayton, OH
The drive from Worcester, MA to Dayton, OH runs 795 mi — about 15h 11m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
795 mi · 15h 11m by car · MA → CT → NY → PA → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → PA → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Dayton is 9.6% cheaper than Worcester overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dayton is 9.6% below Worcester — $430,112 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 41.7" |
Climate warms by 5.2°F on the annual average — 48.1°F → 53.3°F.
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.6% between Worcester and Dayton (ACS 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 — 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — 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 — 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 does household income compare in Worcester vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 35.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 795 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 48.1°F in Worcester (5.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 48.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 68.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 9.6% lower than Worcester (92.694 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 795 mi and the route typically takes 15h 11m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Dayton, OH.