Moving from Cleveland to Dayton, OH
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Quick answer: Moving from Cleveland to Dayton costs between $299 to $6,931 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 212-mile route within Ohio take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Cleveland to Dayton
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Cleveland to Dayton are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Cleveland to driving and unloading in Dayton, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 212 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,794 - $4,966 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,162 - $2,199 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $301 - $607 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $75/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Dayton?
It costs between $299 to $6,931 to move from Cleveland to Dayton. The prices below break down your 212-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,091 - $6,931
- Moving containers: $988 - $2,897
- Rental trucks: $299 - $709
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,091 - $4,032 | $988 - $1,722 | $299 - $518 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,794 - $4,966 | $1,162 - $2,199 | $301 - $607 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,411 - $6,931 | $1,669 - $2,897 | $381 - $709 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $249 - $2,075+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $166 - $664 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $42 - $166 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Cleveland to Dayton
At 212 miles, your Cleveland to Dayton move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Cleveland to Dayton. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Ohio, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 212 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Cleveland to Dayton. They've been in business since 1995 (31 years of experience) and 95.1% of their 246 verified reviews are positive.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton to Cleveland guide.
Considerations when moving from Cleveland to Dayton
Cost of living: Cleveland vs. Dayton
Comparing life in Cleveland and Dayton goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Dayton stacks up against Cleveland.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Cleveland | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,295 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $96,509 | $94,536 |
| Average income (per capita) | $39,187 | $43,454 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,490 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,729 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 6.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 7.5% |
- Rent prices in Dayton are 29% lower than in Cleveland, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Dayton and Cleveland are about the same, so you probably won’t see much difference in your housing costs. That makes it simpler to stick to your financial plans.
- Income in Dayton is 11% higher than in Cleveland, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Moving to Dayton means you’ll spend 36% less on living expenses than you would in Cleveland. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to Dayton, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 44% lower than in Cleveland. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in Dayton matches that of Cleveland, so you can look forward to a similar job market and employment opportunities in your new city.
- In Dayton, sales taxes are 6% lower than in Cleveland, which means your budget for dining, shopping, and household purchases may stretch further.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Cleveland, you’d need roughly $1,920 to maintain the same lifestyle in Dayton.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. Dayton
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Dayton compared to Cleveland. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Cleveland | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 372,624 | 137,644 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-43 | Democratic 50-48 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 22ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 54" | 17" |
| Crime index | 63.41 | 4.0 |
Dayton sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Dayton has about 63% fewer people than Cleveland. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- In the last presidential election, Dayton leaned Democratic, while Cleveland leaned Republican.
- Moving between Cleveland and Dayton won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 85°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Cleveland and Dayton experience similar lows—expect 22°F in Cleveland and 21°F in Dayton.
- Both Cleveland and Dayton experience similar annual rainfall, with Cleveland receiving 38 inches and Dayton getting 40 inches.
- Cleveland sees more annual snowfall than Dayton, averaging 54 inches compared to Dayton’s 17.
- You’ll feel safer in Dayton, thanks to its lower crime index (4.0) compared to Cleveland (63.41).
Things to do in Dayton
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Dayton.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Cleveland to Dayton?
Shipping furniture from Cleveland to Dayton with a mover will cost between $960 and $3,463. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,794–$4,966, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Cleveland to Dayton will cost from $2,411–$6,931.
How much are moving container companies from Cleveland to Dayton?
If you're moving from Cleveland to Dayton and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $700 to $1,660. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,162 and $2,199. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,669 up to $2,897.
How much is a moving truck from Cleveland to Dayton?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $281 and $523. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $301 to $607. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Cleveland to Dayton, truck rental prices typically range from $381 up to $709.
How far in advance should I book Cleveland-to-Dayton movers?
For a smooth move from Cleveland to Dayton, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Dayton?
To score the best moving deals to Dayton, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
