Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Ann Arbor to Dayton typically costs $1,600–$4,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 197 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Ann Arbor to Dayton
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH typically costs $1,600–$4,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 197-mile move from Ann Arbor to Dayton, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,167 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,544 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,177 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 13, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Ann Arbor to Dayton
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,000, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,900.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Ann Arbor, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($200–$600) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Dayton, OH to Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Best Ann Arbor to Dayton movers by type
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Best professional movers from Ann Arbor to Dayton
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Ann Arbor to Dayton, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MI→OH movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 84 Michigan moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Ann Arbor - roughly 27% less for singles and 29% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $2,176 in Ann Arbor. For a family of four, it's $3,788 compared with $5,344.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Ann Arbor | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,831 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,763 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $474,909 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,176 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,344 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 3.5% |
- If you're heading to Dayton from Ann Arbor, you'll find that rent is roughly 59% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 71% less in Dayton than in Ann Arbor.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 6% lower in Dayton compared to Ann Arbor.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Dayton. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 27% lower than in Ann Arbor.
- Choosing to move to Dayton can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 29% less than in Ann Arbor.
- In Dayton, the unemployment rate is approximately 94% higher than in Ann Arbor, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 25% in Dayton over Ann Arbor, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 18% less in Ohio than in Michigan. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Ann Arbor and Dayton:
| Living Expense | Ann Arbor | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $158.05 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.64 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.70 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.60 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $44.00 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Ann Arbor than in Dayton, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Ann Arbor than in Dayton.
- Eggs are less expensive in Ann Arbor than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Ann Arbor than in Dayton.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Ann Arbor than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Ann Arbor than in Dayton.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Dayton
| Ann Arbor | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 52 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 47 |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 79.18 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Dayton's population is about 11% greater than Ann Arbor.
- Dayton's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Ann Arbor's score of 7.
- Dayton is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
- Dayton has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71.
- Dayton's crime rate is lower than Ann Arbor with a score of 4.0 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 40.68 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Ann Arbor it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor to Dayton move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Ohio doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Dayton. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Dayton
Now that you've decided to make the move to Gem City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Dayton.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Webster Station
- South Park
- Oregon District
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
Once you're settled into your new home in Ohio, it's time to get out and discover what Dayton has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Dayton, such as the National Museum of the US Air Force, America's Packard Museum - The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton International Peace Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Dayton?
The best time to move from Ann Arbor to Dayton is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Ann Arbor.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Dayton?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Ann Arbor to Dayton, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Ann Arbor to Dayton take?
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Dayton, OH covers 197 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Ann Arbor movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Dayton.
Which movers in Ann Arbor give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Ann Arbor?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 20 movers in Ann Arbor advertise piano moving expertise. 7 movers in Ann Arbor provide antique moving services. State totals show 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
