Chicago, IL to Dayton, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Dayton typically costs $1,800–$5,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 298 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Dayton
Moving from Chicago, IL to Dayton, OH typically costs $1,800–$5,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 298-mile move from Chicago to Dayton, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,697 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,342 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,960 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Mar 01, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 20, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 27, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 11, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Dayton
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,000, but larger homes can run up to $6,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Chicago.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($400–$900) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Dayton, OH to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Dayton movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Dayton
For a stress-free interstate move from Chicago to Dayton, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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 IL→OH movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 100 Illinois moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 56% less for singles and 59% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $3,788 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 3.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 55% lower in Dayton than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 54% lower in Dayton than in Chicago.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 12% less in Dayton than in Chicago.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Dayton, where the cost of living for a single person is 56% less than in Chicago.
- Moving to Dayton could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 59% less than in Chicago.
- Dayton experiences an unemployment rate that is about 24% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 27% lower in Dayton than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Dayton can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 29% lower in Ohio compared to Illinois. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Dayton:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Dayton, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Dayton.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Dayton.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Dayton.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Dayton
| Chicago | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 47 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Dayton's population is about 95% less than Chicago.
- Dayton's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Dayton is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Dayton's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 4.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Dayton is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 40.68 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Dayton move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Dayton smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Dayton
Now that you've chosen Gem City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Dayton to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it's time to see what Dayton is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Dayton offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Dayton?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Dayton are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Dayton?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Dayton are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Dayton take?
A move of 298 miles from Chicago, IL to Dayton, OH generally takes one to four days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Dayton is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Chicago?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Chicago offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 54 movers in Chicago have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 40 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,294 and 1,462.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
