($142+) Lexington, KY to Dayton, OH Movers
Moving from Lexington, KY, to Dayton, OH, runs anywhere from $142 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,544 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 136 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $649, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,544 or more.
- Moving containers run $702 - $2,079, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $142 - $302.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lexington, KY, to Dayton, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,206 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Lexington, KY to Dayton, OH
Moving options from Lexington to Dayton fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,206 - $3,449 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 27% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 88% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 136-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 136-mile route from Lexington to Dayton, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $649 - $2,811 | $702 - $1,163 | $142 - $219 | $639 - $1,047 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,206 - $3,449 | $875 - $1,551 | $147 - $269 | $707 - $1,332 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,695 - $4,544 | $1,125 - $2,079 | $171 - $302 | $881 - $1,520 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Lexington, KY to Dayton, OH
Hiring full-service movers from Lexington, Kentucky, to Dayton, Ohio, costs between $649 and $4,544. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 136-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $260 - $1,732, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Lexington and Dayton. For a rough baseline, movers based in Lexington tend to start around $197 plus $70/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lexington to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $649 - $2,811
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,206 - $3,449
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,695 - $4,544
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Lexington to Dayton.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Lexington, KY to Dayton, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Lexington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Dayton, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing67% of local movers | $433 - $4,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Wildcat Moving LLC | $173 - $1,039/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $260 - $2,078 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage23% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs68% of local movers | $866 - $2,598 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,165 - $8,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $649 - $1,232 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $866 - $2,165 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: From Here To There, LLC | $693 - $3,031 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $260 - $1,299 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect18% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: From Here To There, LLC | $563 - $1,732 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $260 - $12,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $260 - $3,031+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Lexington to Dayton?
Ohio Association of Movers membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Ohio, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Lexington, KY?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Lexington to Dayton with a local mover averages $1,170 - $3,346. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Lexington, KY can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Wildcat Moving LLC (4.64/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Lexington, ranked #1 in Kentucky, based on our analysis of feedback from 4,014 customers, 95.3% of which is positive.
Address: 236 Big Run Rd, Lexington, KY, 40503 | Founded: 2012
Moving container costs from Lexington, KY to Dayton, OH
Moving containers from Lexington, Kentucky, to Dayton, Ohio, cost between $702 and $2,079. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Dayton. If you go over that window, storage in Lexington adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lexington to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $702 - $1,163
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $875 - $1,551
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,079
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $65 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $130 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Dayton, OH, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $606 in Lexington, KY. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Kentucky to Ohio move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $702. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $875 - $1,551.
What are the best moving containers Lexington to Dayton?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Lexington to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Lexington:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 20 years in business
- From Here To There, LLC (4.9/5), 6 years in business
- My 3 Son's Moving, 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Lexington, KY to Dayton, OH
A rental truck for this 136-mile move from Lexington, Kentucky, to Dayton, Ohio, costs between $142 and $302. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $37 - $43
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Lexington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Lexington to Dayton based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $142 - $219
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $147 - $269
- 4+ bedrooms: $171 - $302
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $142 - $302 does not include fuel ($37 - $43), lodging ($130/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Lexington to Dayton typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $37 - $43 for the 136-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Lexington, Kentucky, for about 5 hours typically costs around $606.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 136-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $130 per night, adding $260 - $390 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $43 and $260.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Lexington to Dayton?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Lexington, KY to Dayton, OH
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Lexington, Kentucky, to Dayton, Ohio, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $707 and $1,332.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lexington to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $639 - $1,047
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $707 - $1,332
- 4+ bedrooms: $881 - $1,520
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Lexington, Kentucky, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $606.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $65 - $130 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Lexington to Dayton?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Dayton quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Lexington, KY vs Dayton, OH
Lexington and Dayton land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Lexington and 80 in Dayton, and average rent is $1,345/mo vs. $925/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 90 vs 45 and safety scores are 49.12 vs 40.68.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton, OH to Lexington, KY guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Kentucky to Ohio, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Kentucky alone has 75 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 136-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Lexington, KY, to Dayton, OH, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $649 - $4,544 on the 136-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $702 - $2,079, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $142 - $302. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,206 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Morgan Linen & Uniform Services and Premier Physicians.
FAQs: Moving from Lexington, KY, to Dayton, OH
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
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.
What do local movers charge in Lexington?
Local movers based in Lexington typically start around $197 as a base rate, plus $70/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Dayton run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Lexington, KY to Dayton, OH?
Costs on this route range from around $142 to $4,544, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $649 and $4,544, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Lexington, KY to Dayton, OH?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $147 - $269. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Lexington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Lexington handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.