($144+) Dayton, OH to Lexington, KY Movers
Moving from Dayton, OH, to Lexington, KY, runs anywhere from $146 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,677 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 135 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $703, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,677 or more.
- Moving containers run $759 - $2,184, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $146 - $310.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dayton, OH, to Lexington, KY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,304 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Dayton, OH to Lexington, KY
There are 3 main ways to move from Dayton to Lexington: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,304 - $3,583. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 135 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 135-mile route from Dayton to Lexington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $703 - $2,919 | $759 - $1,309 | $146 - $240 | $691 - $1,087 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,304 - $3,583 | $928 - $1,644 | $162 - $299 | $743 - $1,315 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,780 - $4,677 | $1,180 - $2,184 | $199 - $310 | $993 - $1,781 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Dayton, OH to Lexington, KY
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 135-mile move from Dayton, Ohio, to Lexington, Kentucky, with costs ranging from $703 - $4,677. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $253 - $1,688. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Dayton and Lexington. Local movers in Dayton typically start around $330 as a base rate plus $140/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dayton to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $703 - $2,919
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,304 - $3,583
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,780 - $4,677
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Dayton to Lexington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Kentucky. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Dayton, OH to Lexington, KY
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Dayton movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Lexington, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $422 - $4,220 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $169 - $1,013/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $253 - $2,026 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $844 - $2,532 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,110 - $8,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $632 - $1,201 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $844 - $2,110 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $675 - $2,954 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $253 - $1,266 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $549 - $1,688 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $253 - $12,660+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $253 - $2,954+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dayton to Lexington?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Dayton, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Dayton to Lexington with a local mover averages $1,265 - $3,476. Working with a local mover based in Dayton, OH often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.62/5 stars) is a local mover in Dayton, based on our analysis of feedback from 247 customers, 87.4% of which is positive.
Address: 11807 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 | Founded: 2004
Moving container costs from Dayton, OH to Lexington, KY
Moving containers from Dayton, Ohio, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $759 and $2,184. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Dayton typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dayton to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $759 - $1,309
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $928 - $1,644
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,180 - $2,184
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $63 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $127 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Lexington, KY, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $591 in Dayton, OH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to Kentucky move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $759. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $928 - $1,644, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Dayton to Lexington?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Dayton to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Dayton:
- Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc (3.9/5), 110 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 25 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dayton, OH to Lexington, KY
Plan on $146 - $310 for a rental moving truck on the 135-mile route from Dayton, Ohio, to Lexington, Kentucky. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $36 - $41
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Dayton daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Dayton to Lexington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $146 - $240
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $162 - $299
- 4+ bedrooms: $199 - $310
Pro tip: The base rate of $146 - $310 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Dayton to Lexington. Fuel ($36 - $41) , lodging at around $127/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $127 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $55 and $274 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $36 - $41 in fuel for the 135-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $591 in Dayton, Ohio, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dayton to Lexington?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Dayton, OH to Lexington, KY
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Dayton, Ohio, to Lexington, Kentucky. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $760 and $1,315.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dayton to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $691 - $1,087
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $743 - $1,315
- 4+ bedrooms: $993 - $1,781
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Dayton, Ohio, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $591.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $63 - $127 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Dayton to Lexington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co (4.88/5 stars): ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Dayton to Lexington, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Dayton, OH vs Lexington, KY
Day-to-day costs in Lexington are close to what you're used to in Dayton: cost of living index of 91 versus 80, with average rent of $1,345/mo compared to $925/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 45/100 and 40.68/100 in Dayton versus 90/100 and 49.12/100 in Lexington.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lexington, KY to Dayton, OH guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Kentucky in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 103 movers based in Ohio, handy for sizing up options on this 135-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 135-mile route from Dayton, OH, to Lexington, KY, run $703 - $4,677 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $759 - $2,184, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $146 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,304, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include A&W Restaurants and University of Kentucky.
FAQs: Moving from Dayton, OH, to Lexington, KY
How much does it cost to move from Dayton, OH to Lexington, KY?
Costs on this route range from around $703 to $4,677, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $703 and $4,677, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Lexington?
Lexington has a walkability score of 90 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 85, compared to 45 and 47 in Dayton. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($36 - $41), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $127/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Kentucky?
Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint.
What is the best time of year to move from Dayton, OH to Lexington, KY?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Dayton movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Dayton handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
