Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Dayton
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Dayton
Moving from Grand Rapids to Dayton means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Grand Rapids than in Dayton, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Dayton so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Grand Rapids | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,659 | $925 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Dayton are 44% lower than in Grand Rapids, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Dayton.
Home prices in Dayton are 58.6% lower than in Grand Rapids. - Income is the same in Dayton and Grand Rapids. The top employers in Dayton include Morgan Linen & Uniform Services, Premier Physicians, and Maple Timber Acquisition LLC.
- The cost of living for a single person in Dayton is 70.1% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Dayton is 47.1% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Dayton is 58.14% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Dayton, since the cityโs sales taxes in Dayton are 25.00% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- One perk of moving to Dayton is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.65% lower than in Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $896.12 in Dayton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Dayton
| Dayton | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,644 | 198,893 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 4.0 | 44.23 |
| Safety Index | 40.68 | 55.77 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Dayton's population is about 31% less than Grand Rapids.
- Dayton's public transportation has a similar score to Grand Rapids.
- Dayton is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- Dayton has a bike-friendliness score 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
- Dayton's crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 4.0 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 40.68 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
- Air quality in Dayton is moderate, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Dayton move
- Weather: September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre 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 check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Ohio doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Dayton. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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
Ready to relocate to "Gem City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Dayton.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- South Park
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
After settling into your new Ohio home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Dayton has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Dayton is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Museum of the US Air Force, America's Packard Museum - The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton International Peace Museum, and British Transportation Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League) and Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Dayton?
The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Dayton is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Dayton?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Dayton take?
The 304-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Dayton, OH, takes one to four days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Dayton.
