Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from St. Louis to Dayton
What to know before moving from St. Louis to Dayton
Moving from St. Louis 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 St. Louis than in Dayton, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how St. Louis compares to Dayton so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| St. Louis | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $925 |
| Average home value | $171,463 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,589 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,573 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.68% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Dayton are 26% lower than in St. Louis, 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 20.8% lower than in St. Louis. - Income in Dayton is 5.2% lower than in St. Louis, so you could earn less for doing the same job. 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 38.5% lower than in St. Louis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Dayton is 42.4% lower than in St. Louis.
- The unemployment rate in Dayton is 7.94% higher than in St. Louis.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Dayton, since the cityโs sales taxes in Dayton are 22.52% lower than in St. Louis.
- One perk of moving to Dayton is paying less in state income taxes, which are 27.08% lower than in St. Louis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,845.89 in Dayton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Louis.
How life is different in St. Louis vs. Dayton
| Dayton | St. Louis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,644 | 293,310 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 66 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 58 |
| Crime Index | 4.0 | 69.65 |
| Safety Index | 40.68 | 30.35 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Dayton's population is about 53% less than St. Louis.
- Dayton's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus St. Louis's higher score of 8.
- Dayton is less walkable than St. Louis with a score of 45 out of 100 vs St. Louis's 66 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 St. Louis, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
- Dayton's crime rate is lower than St. Louis with a score of 4.0 compared to St. Louis's 69.65. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65%.
- Dayton is considered to be safer than St. Louis with a safety index of 40.68 vs St. Louis's 30.35.
- Air quality in Dayton is moderate, and in St. Louis it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your St. Louis 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
- Webster Station
- Oregon District
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
Now that you've made the move to Ohio, itโs the perfect time to explore Dayton. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll 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, 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 St. Louis to Dayton?
The best time to move from St. Louis to Dayton is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in St. Louis.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Louis to Dayton?
Because most people are moving from St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Dayton take?
The 360-mile move from St. Louis, MO, to Dayton, OH, takes one to four days. Some St. Louis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Dayton.
