($906) Moving from Chicago to Dayton

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Dayton costs $361 to $4,566 and takes one-four days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 298-mile move yourself.

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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Dayton to Chicago guide.

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The best Chicago to Dayton moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Dayton is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Dayton.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Dayton?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $906 - $3,201 $651 - $1,460 $342 - $595
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,566 - $4,566 $1,192 - $2,128 $361 - $677
4+ bedrooms $2,302 - $6,045 $1,604 - $2,833 $442 - $874
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 298 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Dayton

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Dayton can be as low as $906 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,527.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $342 to $730. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Dayton?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Dayton will cost between $906 to $3,201. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,566 to $4,566, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Dayton will cost from $2,302 to $6,045.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Dayton?

Moving containers from Chicago to Dayton will cost you $651 to $1,460 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,192 to $2,128. A larger home will cost $1,604 to $2,833.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Dayton?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $342 to $595. A larger move will cost $361 to $677, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Dayton costs from $442 to $874. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Dayton

Cost of living: Chicago vs Dayton

Chicago Dayton
Average rent cost $1,595 $925
Average home value $306,098 $135,815
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $62,673
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,593
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $3,788
Unemployment rate 9.0% 6.8%
Sales Tax 10.25% 7.5%
State Income Tax 4.95% 3.99%
  • Rent prices in Dayton are 42% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Dayton are 55.6% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Dayton is 4.5% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Dayton is 59.1% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Dayton is 5.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Dayton is 24.44% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Dayton are 26.83% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Dayton are 19.39% lower than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $4,774.23 in Dayton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Dayton?

Dayton Chicago
Population 137,644 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 45 77
Bike friendliness score 47 72
Crime Index 4.0 35.19
Safety Index 40.68 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Dayton's population is about 95% less than Chicago.
  • Dayton's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower 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 is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Chicago's 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.

Considerations for moving to Dayton

  • Weather: September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Dayton. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949
The Professionals Moving Specialists Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618
(888) 225-7351

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

What to do in Dayton

These are some of the best things to do in your new Ohio home.

  • National Museum of the United States Air Force
  • Aviation at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
  • Carillon Historical Park
  • Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
  • The Dayton Art Institute
  • RiverScape MetroPark
  • Schuster Center
  • America's Packard Museum
  • SunWatch Indian Village Archaeological Park

Get your sports on!

Dayton is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)
  • Wright State Raiders (Horizon League)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Dayton?

The best time to move from Chicago to Dayton is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Dayton?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Dayton in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Dayton take?

The 298-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Dayton, OH, takes one-four days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Dayton.

Helpful moving resources