Moving from Akron to Dayton, OH
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Quick answer: Moving from Akron to Dayton costs $270–$6,355, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 195-mile route within Ohio take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 99+ Ohio moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Akron to Dayton?
Moving from Akron to Dayton doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 195-mile move:
Moving from Akron to Dayton costs between $270 and $6,355, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 195-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,615–$5,007 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,189–$2,259 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $279–$558 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $80/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 99+ Ohio movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Akron to Dayton?
The cost to move from Akron to Dayton ranges from $270 to $6,355, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 195-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $979–$6,355
- Moving containers: $989–$2,815
- Rental trucks: $270–$648
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 195 miles and provide all the labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $979–$4,200 | $989–$1,650 | $270–$472 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,615–$5,007 | $1,189–$2,259 | $279–$558 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,383–$6,355 | $1,650–$2,815 | $361–$648 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 99+ Ohio moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Akron to Dayton move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Akron to Dayton move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $80/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Akron to Dayton
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Akron to Dayton, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 195 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Akron to Dayton. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Ohio, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 195 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton to Akron guide.
How does Dayton compare to Akron?
Cost of living: Akron vs. Dayton
The cost of living in Akron vs. Dayton is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Dayton measures up against Akron.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Akron | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $950 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $111,626 | $94,536 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,544 | $43,454 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,543 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,120 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 6.8% |
| Average sales tax | 6.75% | 7.5% |
Cost-of-living data for Akron and Dayton comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 99+ Ohio cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Dayton are similar to Akron. Budget for a like-for-like apartment without adjustment.
- Home prices in Dayton are 15% lower than Akron. Most buyers translate the gap into bigger square footage or a faster path to ownership.
- Average income in Dayton is 10% lower than Akron. Watch your real take-home, since lower salaries don't always pair with lower expenses.
- Daily expenses for one person are about equal in Dayton and Akron. Existing budgets carry over without adjustment.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Dayton are 8% lower than Akron. The gap is meaningful enough to fund a meaningful lifestyle upgrade post-move.
- Unemployment rates are similar in Dayton and Akron. Job market dynamics carry over.
- Sales taxes in Dayton are 11% higher than Akron. Annual spending on taxable goods will land meaningfully higher.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Akron, you'll need about $3,090 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Dayton.
How life is different in Akron vs. Dayton
A look at how life in Dayton measures up to Akron covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Akron | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,469 | 137,644 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 54-44 | Democratic 50-48 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 20ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 42" | 17" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 4.0 |
- Dayton is roughly 28% smaller in size than Akron. The smaller scale typically translates to lower density, lower cost, and a tighter local job market.
- During the last presidential election, both Akron and Dayton supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer highs in Dayton (85°F) match Akron (83°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows are comparable in Akron (20°F) and Dayton (21°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall matches across Akron (38 inches) and Dayton (40 inches). Existing rain habits and gear carry over.
- Annual snowfall in Akron runs 42 inches, higher than Dayton's 17 inches. Less snow translates to lower winter maintenance and shorter cold-weather seasons.
- Crime index in Dayton (4.0) runs lower than Akron (5.0). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.
Things to do in Dayton
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Dayton's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in Dayton
- National Museum of the US Air Force
- America's Packard Museum - The Citizens Motorcar Co.
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
- Dayton International Peace Museum
- British Transportation Museum
Parks in Dayton
- Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
- Carriage Hill MetroPark
- RiverScape MetroPark
- Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
- Smith Gardens
Sports teams in Dayton
- Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)
- Wright State Raiders (Horizon League)
Universities in Dayton
- Miami Jacobs Career College Dayton
- Sinclair Community College
- Lincoln College of Technology Dayton
- University of Dayton
- International College of Broadcasting
Final verdict: best movers from Akron to Dayton
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Akron to Dayton, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Ohio service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $270–$6,355 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 99+ Ohio movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Akron to Dayton
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Akron to Dayton?
A full-service move from Akron to Dayton typically costs $887–$3,243 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,615–$5,007. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $2,383 and $6,355 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Akron to Dayton?
Moving containers from Akron to Dayton have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $692 and $1,498. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,189–$2,259. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $1,650 to $2,815.
How much is a moving truck from Akron to Dayton?
A rental moving truck from Akron to Dayton costs $275–$463 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $279–$558. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $361–$648.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Akron-to-Dayton movers?
Lock in your movers for a Akron to Dayton move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Dayton?
The cheapest time of year to move to Dayton is between early October and late April. This period falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
