Moving from Akron to Dayton, OH
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Quick answer: Moving from Akron to Dayton costs between $270 to $6,608 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 195-mile route within Ohio take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Akron to Dayton
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Akron to Dayton are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Akron to driving and unloading in Dayton, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 195 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,683 - $4,714 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,153 - $2,104 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $290 - $547 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Move It Now | $80/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Akron to Dayton?
It costs between $270 to $6,608 to move from Akron to Dayton. The prices below break down your 195-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $969 - $6,608
- Moving containers: $970 - $2,621
- Rental trucks: $270 - $648
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $969 - $3,999 | $970 - $1,602 | $270 - $467 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,683 - $4,714 | $1,153 - $2,104 | $290 - $547 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,314 - $6,608 | $1,541 - $2,621 | $337 - $648 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $243 - $2,025+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $80/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $162 - $648 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $41 - $162 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Akron to Dayton
At 195 miles, your Akron to Dayton move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Akron to Dayton. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Ohio, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 195 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Akron to Dayton. They've been in business since 1995 (31 years of experience) and 95.1% of their 246 verified reviews are positive.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton to Akron guide.
Considerations when moving from Akron to Dayton
Cost of living: Akron vs. Dayton
The cost of living in Akron vs. Dayton isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Dayton compares to what you’re used to in Akron.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Akron | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $950 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $111,626 | $94,536 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,544 | $43,454 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,543 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,120 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 6.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.75% | 7.5% |
- Rent prices in Dayton are similar to those in Akron, so you shouldn't see much change in your budget.
- Home prices in Dayton are 15% lower than in Akron. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Dayton is 10% lower than in Akron, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- If you’re relocating from Akron to Dayton, you’ll notice that day-to-day expenses are about equal. As long as your income doesn’t change, your budget should stay on track after the move.
- Good news, living costs are 8% lower in Dayton than in Akron. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Dayton is the same as in Akron, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities when you move.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Dayton are 11% higher than in Akron, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Akron, you’ll need about $3,090 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Dayton.
How life is different in Akron vs. Dayton
Before you move, check out how life in Dayton measures up to Akron. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Akron | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,469 | 137,644 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 54-44 | Democratic 50-48 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 20ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 42" | 17" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 4.0 |
Dayton sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Dayton has roughly 28% fewer people than Akron. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- During the last presidential election, both Akron and Dayton supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Dayton and Akron have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Akron and Dayton—with winter lows around 20°F and 21°F.
- Both Akron and Dayton see similar yearly rainfall—Akron averages 38 inches, while Dayton gets 40 inches.
- Akron usually gets more snow each year than Dayton, with 42 annually compared to Dayton’s 17.
- Dayton posts a lower crime rate than Akron, with a crime index of 4.0 compared to Akron’s 5.0.
Things to do in Dayton
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Dayton has plenty to offer:
Museums in Dayton
- National Museum of the US Air Force
- America's Packard Museum - The Citizens Motorcar Co.
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
- Dayton International Peace Museum
- British Transportation Museum
Parks in Dayton
- Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
- Carriage Hill MetroPark
- RiverScape MetroPark
- Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
- Smith Gardens
Sports teams in Dayton
- Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)
- Wright State Raiders (Horizon League)
Universities in Dayton
- Miami Jacobs Career College Dayton
- Sinclair Community College
- Lincoln College of Technology Dayton
- University of Dayton
- International College of Broadcasting
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Akron to Dayton?
Shipping furniture from Akron to Dayton with a moving company typically costs between $923 and $3,178. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,683 to $4,714. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,314 and $6,608 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Akron to Dayton?
If you’re planning a move from Akron to Dayton and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $646 and $1,607. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,153 to $2,104. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,541 to $2,621.
How much is a moving truck from Akron to Dayton?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $262 and $431. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $290 and $547. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Akron to Dayton, truck rentals usually range from $337 up to $648.
How far in advance should I book Akron-to-Dayton movers?
To make your move from Akron to Dayton as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Dayton?
The cheapest time of year to move to Dayton is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
