Cleveland to Dayton Movers & Costs (2026)
Moving from Cleveland to Dayton, OH (~212 miles) costs between $233 and $5,261, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as Bright Eyed Moving, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 95 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $75/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in Cleveland
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from Cleveland to Dayton?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Cleveland to Dayton are regulated by Ohio law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Ohio intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Ohio companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Bright Eyed Moving (4.56/5) as the top local pick, followed by College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.56/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Cleveland to Dayton moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 282+ Ohio movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Dayton?
Movers typically charge between $233 and $5,261* for a Cleveland to Dayton move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price depends on the service type and home size you choose.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $871 - $5,261
- Moving containers: $796 - $2,263
- Rental trucks: $233 - $594
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but you'll need to drive the truck yourself, plus line up or hire moving help.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers cut 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $871 - $3,348 | $796 - $1,415 | $233 - $409 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,488 - $3,956 | $975 - $1,864 | $257 - $509 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,923 - $5,261 | $1,253 - $2,263 | $300 - $594 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 282+ Ohio moving companies, and are updated as of November 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.
Learn more about the cost of Cleveland, OH movers.
How Cleveland to Dayton moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $75 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $900.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 13% of Cleveland movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 12% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 6% of Cleveland movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 Cleveland to Dayton
Moving from Cleveland to Dayton is a job for local and regional Ohio movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Bright Eyed Moving leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 95 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Cleveland to Dayton
Local movers operating within Ohio know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.56 / 5
- Years in Business: 11
- 93% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.56 / 5
- Years in Business: 9
- 92% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.52 / 5
- Years in Business: 32
- 97% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
Our top local picks:
- Bright Eyed Moving (4.56/5 stars): 92.6% positive customer ratings.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.56/5 stars): 91.6% positive customer ratings.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co. (4.52/5 stars): 97.1% positive customer ratings.
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage (4.62/5 stars): 98.4% positive customer ratings.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.48/5 stars): 86.6% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 84 movers in Cleveland, drawing on 21,041 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Cleveland to Dayton
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Cleveland, OH
Cleveland residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Ohio moving resources
How does Dayton compare to Cleveland?
Cost of living: Cleveland vs. Dayton
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Cleveland and Dayton comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 282+ Ohio moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Dayton are 29% lower than in Cleveland. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Dayton match Cleveland. A like-for-like home will require a similar down payment and mortgage.
- Average income in Dayton is 11% higher than Cleveland. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in Dayton is 36% lower than Cleveland. The savings typically free up 36% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Dayton is 44% lower than Cleveland. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment rates in Dayton and Cleveland match. Job market conditions are comparable for hiring and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Dayton are 6% lower than Cleveland. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,920 in Dayton to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Cleveland.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. Dayton
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Dayton might look different from Cleveland in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Ohio can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 28% of movers in Ohio, vs 23% nationally).
- Dayton is 63% smaller in size than Cleveland. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, Dayton voted Democratic and Cleveland voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Dayton (85°F) match Cleveland (82°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Cleveland (22°F) and Dayton (21°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Cleveland (38 inches) and Dayton (40 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Cleveland is 54 inches, vs. 17 inches in Dayton. Lower snow load reduces winter gear, plowing, and heating costs.
- Crime index in Dayton (4.0) is lower than Cleveland (63.41). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Dayton
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Dayton. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
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: Cleveland to Dayton movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Ohio service. For smaller moves, Bright Eyed Moving (4.56/5) is the top local choice, with 92.6% positive reviews across 95 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $233 - $5,261, based on our analysis of 282+ Ohio movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Cleveland to Dayton
How long does a move from Cleveland to Dayton take?
Most moves from Cleveland to Dayton take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
How far in advance should I book Cleveland-to-Dayton movers?
Book your Cleveland to Dayton movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Cleveland to Dayton?
A full-service move from Cleveland to Dayton costs $812 - $2,761 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,488 - $3,956, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,923 - $5,261.
What percentage of Cleveland movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 31% of movers in Cleveland handle piano moves, and 16% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Dayton?
The cheapest time to move to Dayton is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.