Modesto, CA to Dayton, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Dayton typically costs $3,900–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,356 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Dayton
Moving from Modesto, CA to Dayton, OH typically costs $3,900–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,356-mile move from Modesto 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
- AB Moving recently quoted $8,838 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $4,583 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $8,911 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 23, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 02, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Dayton
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $3,000, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $13,100.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Modesto, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,400–$4,400) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Dayton, OH to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Dayton movers by type
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Dayton
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Modesto 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 CA→OH movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California 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 Modesto to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Modesto - roughly 31% less for singles and 36% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it's $3,788 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.5% |
- If you're heading to Dayton from Modesto, you'll find that rent is roughly 49% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 69% less in Dayton than in Modesto.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 6% lower in Dayton compared to Modesto.
- 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 31% lower than in Modesto.
- 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 36% less than in Modesto.
- Dayton enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 15% lower compared to Modesto, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 16% in Dayton compared to Modesto, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 74% less in Ohio than in California. 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 Modesto and Dayton:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Dayton.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Modesto 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 Modesto than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Modesto than in Dayton.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Dayton
| Modesto | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 47 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Dayton's population is about 37% less than Modesto.
- Dayton's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Modesto's score of 5.
- Dayton is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- Both Dayton and Modesto have similar bike-friendliness scores (48 vs 47), meaning Dayton is about as safe for cyclists as Modesto. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Dayton's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 4.0 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Dayton is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 40.68 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto 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 Modesto to Dayton?
The best time to move from Modesto to Dayton is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Dayton?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Modesto 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 Modesto to Dayton take?
Moving from Modesto, CA to Dayton, OH covers 2,356 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Dayton.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Modesto?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Modesto advertise piano moving expertise. 5 movers in Modesto provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 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.
