The best local movers for Fort Wayne to Dayton moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Fort Wayne that also handles long-distance moves to Dayton. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated six local movers in Fort Wayne who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Fort Wayne to Dayton.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Hoover the Mover: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Callan & Woodworth Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- My Movers Inc.: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 502126
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Pride Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 3757839
Alternate Names: Zitrans, Inc. , Zitrans, Inc. dba Hoover the Mover
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 127
DOT #: 475992
Alternate Names: Haviland Callan, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 50
Alternate Names: Happy Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
How much does it cost to move from Fort Wayne to Dayton?
The average hourly rate for movers in Indiana is $130. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $515 – $2,288 | $490 – $1,182 | $134 – $205 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,108 – $3,014 | $853 – $1,665 | $135 – $242 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,410 – $4,119 | $1,197 – $1,858 | $163 – $277 |
Cost to hire movers from Fort Wayne to Dayton
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Fort Wayne to Dayton will cost between $515 and $2,288. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Fort Wayne to Fort Wayne will range from $1,108 to $3,014, and a large move from Fort Wayne to Dayton will cost from $1,410 to $4,119.
Cost of moving containers from Fort Wayne to Dayton
If you’re moving from Fort Wayne to Dayton, expect to pay between $490 and $1,182 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $853 up to $1,665. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,197 and $1,858. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Fort Wayne to Dayton
Renting a moving truck from Fort Wayne to Dayton is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $134 and $205. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $135 and $242. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $163 up to $277 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Fort Wayne to Dayton

What to know before moving from Fort Wayne to Dayton
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Dayton runs about -39% higher for singles and 20% higher for families than Fort Wayne.
Singles spend around $1,593 in Fort Wayne versus $2,600 in Fort Wayne; families pay $3,788 compared with $3,150.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Fort Wayne | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,233 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,367 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $227,803 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $53,978 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,600 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,150 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 3.5% |
- If you’re heading to Dayton from Fort Wayne, you’ll find that rent is roughly 20% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 40% less in Dayton than in Fort Wayne.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 16% higher in Dayton than in Fort Wayne, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- 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 39% lower than in Fort Wayne.
- When relocating to Dayton, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Dayton is 20% greater than in Fort Wayne.
- In Dayton, the unemployment rate is approximately 33% higher than in Fort Wayne, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 7% in Dayton over Fort Wayne, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 11% higher in Ohio than in Indiana, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Fort Wayne and Dayton:
| Living Expense | Fort Wayne | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $245.73 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.88 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.87 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $17.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $50.00 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Fort Wayne than in Dayton.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Fort Wayne than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Fort Wayne than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Fort Wayne than in Dayton.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Fort Wayne than in Dayton.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Fort Wayne than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Fort Wayne than in Dayton.
How life is different in Fort Wayne vs. Dayton
| Fort Wayne | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 265,974 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 47 |
| Crime index | 40.9 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 59.1 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Dayton’s population is about 48% less than Fort Wayne.
- Dayton’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Fort Wayne’s score of 3.
- Dayton is more walkable than Fort Wayne with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Fort Wayne’s 32 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Dayton is more bike-friendly than Fort Wayne, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Dayton’s crime rate is lower than Fort Wayne with a score of 4.0 compared to Fort Wayne’s 40.9. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Fort Wayne with a score of 40.68 vs Fort Wayne’s 59.1.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Fort Wayne it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Fort Wayne 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
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Helpful moving resources
Fort Wayne moving services
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