Akron to Dayton Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Akron to Dayton, OH (~195 miles) typically ranges from $275 to $6,411.
Local movers such as Summit Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 269 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $80/hr per mover, with a typical 2–3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
July availability is going fast in Akron
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20–30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Akron to Dayton?
At 195 miles, this is a local move, billed hourly by most Ohio companies. You don't need a national carrier to handle it, though they're an option for larger homes or complex logistics. A local or regional mover working this corridor will typically give you faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive hourly pricing.
For full-service moves, we recommend Summit Moving & Storage (4.58/5) as the top local pick, followed by Move It Now (4.52/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 195-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Summit Moving & Storage | $1,767–$5,305 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,211–$2,349 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $290–$569 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Move It Now | $80/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 99+ Ohio movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Akron to Dayton?
The cost to move from Akron to Dayton ranges from $275 to $6,411, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 195-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $1,059–$6,411
- Moving containers: $959–$2,926
- Rental trucks: $275–$641
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 195 miles and provide all the labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,059–$4,158 | $959–$1,682 | $275–$471 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,767–$5,305 | $1,211–$2,349 | $290–$569 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,311–$6,411 | $1,650–$2,926 | $340–$641 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 99+ Ohio moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Akron, OH movers.
What extra fees should you expect on a Akron to Dayton move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Akron to Dayton move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $80/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Akron to Dayton
At 195 miles, this route is well within the range of local and regional Ohio movers. For most home sizes, a local mover bills hourly and can deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead of a national carrier. Summit Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 269 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers for this route
Local movers operating within Ohio specialize in intrastate logistics, Ohio regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. At 195 miles, they are often priced the same as or cheaper than national operators, and scheduling flexibility is significantly better.
moveBuddha scored 33 Akron movers drawing on 5,280 verified customer reviews. Rankings factor in BBB rating, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
rating
- Summit Moving & Storage at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 269 verified reviews. 85.5% of customers rate them positively.
- Move It Now at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 236 verified reviews. 93.6% of customers rate them positively.
- Blue Men Moving LLC at 4.42 out of 5 stars across 239 verified reviews. 98.7% of customers rate them positively.
- The Armstrong Company at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 30 verified reviews. 86.7% of customers rate them positively.
- Andrews Moving & Storage Co at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 247 verified reviews. 81.0% of customers rate them positively.
National carriers also available for this route
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is moveBuddha's best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
moveBuddha's top national full-service movers:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More popular routes from Akron, OH
Akron residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Ohio moving resources
What to know about moving from Akron to Dayton
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because Akron and Dayton are both in Ohio, this is an intrastate move, regulated by Ohio law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. Ohio movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid Ohio intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in Ohio, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no Ohio intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 195 miles, most Akron-to-Dayton moves complete in 1–2 days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in Akron and Dayton commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
Ohio summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in Ohio expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a Akron to Dayton move:
- Verify your mover holds Ohio intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton to Akron guide.
How does Dayton compare to Akron?
Cost of living: Akron vs. Dayton
The cost of living in Akron vs. Dayton is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Dayton measures up against Akron.
Check out how the 2 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Akron and Dayton comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated July 2026 across 99+ Ohio cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Dayton are similar to Akron. Budget for a like-for-like apartment without adjustment.
- Home prices in Dayton are 15% lower than Akron. Most buyers translate the gap into bigger square footage or a faster path to ownership.
- Average income in Dayton is 10% lower than Akron. Watch your real take-home, since lower salaries don't always pair with lower expenses.
- Daily expenses for one person are about equal in Dayton and Akron. Existing budgets carry over without adjustment.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Dayton are 8% lower than Akron. The gap is meaningful enough to fund a meaningful lifestyle upgrade post-move.
- Unemployment rates are similar in Dayton and Akron. Job market dynamics carry over.
- Sales taxes in Dayton are 11% higher than Akron. Annual spending on taxable goods will land meaningfully higher.
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
A look at how life in Dayton measures up to Akron covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below 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 is roughly 28% smaller in size than Akron. The smaller scale typically translates to lower density, lower cost, and a tighter local job market.
- During the last presidential election, both Akron and Dayton supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer highs in Dayton (85°F) match Akron (83°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows are comparable in Akron (20°F) and Dayton (21°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall matches across Akron (38 inches) and Dayton (40 inches). Existing rain habits and gear carry over.
- Annual snowfall in Akron runs 42 inches, higher than Dayton's 17 inches. Less snow translates to lower winter maintenance and shorter cold-weather seasons.
- Crime index in Dayton (4.0) runs lower than Akron (5.0). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.
Things to do in Dayton
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Dayton's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
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
Final verdict: best movers from Akron to Dayton
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Akron to Dayton, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Ohio service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, Summit Moving & Storage (4.58 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 85.5% positive reviews across 269 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $275–$6,411 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 99+ Ohio movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Akron to Dayton
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Akron to Dayton?
A full-service move from Akron to Dayton typically costs $969–$3,476 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,767–$5,305. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $2,311 and $6,411 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Akron to Dayton?
Moving containers from Akron to Dayton break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $692 and $1,623. For 2–3 bedroom homes, expect $1,211–$2,349. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect $1,650–$2,926.
How much is a moving truck from Akron to Dayton?
A rental moving truck from Akron to Dayton costs $262–$453 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $290–$569. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $340–$641.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Akron-to-Dayton movers?
Lock in your movers for a Akron to Dayton move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead. As an intrastate Ohio move, same-day or next-day delivery is typically available once your booking is confirmed.
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 falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
Is moving from Akron to Dayton considered a long-distance move?
A move from Akron to Dayton is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in Ohio, so Ohio law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 195 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid Ohio intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from Akron to Dayton take?
Most moves from Akron to Dayton take 1–2 days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 195 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
