Moving from Columbus to Dayton, OH
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Quick answer: Moving from Columbus to Dayton costs between $87 to $4,489 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 72-mile route within Ohio take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Columbus to Dayton
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Columbus to Dayton are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Columbus 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 72 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,262 - $3,764 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $803 - $1,572 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $99 - $169 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Herlihy Moving & Storage | $145/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 Columbus to Dayton?
It costs between $87 to $4,489 to move from Columbus to Dayton. The prices below break down your 72-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $649 - $4,489
- Moving containers: $614 - $1,874
- Rental trucks: $87 - $169
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $649 - $2,962 | $614 - $1,095 | $87 - $128 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,262 - $3,764 | $803 - $1,572 | $99 - $169 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,766 - $4,489 | $1,068 - $1,874 | $114 - $169 |
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 | $273 - $2,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $145/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $65/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $182 - $728 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $182 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Columbus to Dayton
At 72 miles, your Columbus 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 Columbus to Dayton. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Ohio, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 72 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
MVM Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Columbus to Dayton. They've been in business since 2005 (21 years of experience) and 96.9% of their 257 verified reviews are positive.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton to Columbus guide.
Considerations when moving from Columbus to Dayton
Cost of living: Columbus vs. Dayton
When comparing the cost of living between Columbus and Dayton, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Dayton stacks up against Columbus.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbus | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,441 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $233,368 | $94,536 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,327 | $43,454 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,784 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,249 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 6.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.5% | 7.5% |
- Rent in Dayton is about 36% cheaper than in Columbus, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Dayton are 59% lower than in Columbus, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Dayton is 33% lower than in Columbus. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Dayton is 43% lower than in Columbus. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Dayton is 48% lower than in Columbus. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Dayton is 19% higher than in Columbus. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Dayton and Columbus, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,710 in Dayton to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Dayton
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Dayton vs. Columbus. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Columbus | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 137,644 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-14 | Democratic 50-48 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 21ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 22" | 17" |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 4.0 |
Dayton sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Dayton has about 85% fewer people than Columbus. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Dayton leaned Democratic, while Columbus went Republican.
- Both Dayton and Columbus average summer highs close to 85°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Columbus and Dayton experience similar winter lows, with Columbus reaching 21°F and Dayton getting down to 21°F.
- Both Columbus and Dayton see about the same yearly rainfall—Columbus averages 40 inches, while Dayton gets 40 inches each year.
- Both Columbus and Dayton get about the same amount of snow annually—Columbus averages 22 inches, while Dayton gets 17 inches.
- Dayton is safer than Columbus, boasting a lower crime index of 4.0 compared to Columbus’s 49.65.
Things to do in Dayton
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Dayton has you covered.
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 Columbus to Dayton?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Columbus to Dayton, expect to pay between $548 and $2,548 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,262 and $3,764. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,766 up to $4,489 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Columbus to Dayton?
If you’re moving from Columbus to Dayton and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $420 and go up to $1,005. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $803 and $1,572. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,068 and $1,874.
How much is a moving truck from Columbus to Dayton?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $80 to $136. A larger move will cost $99 to $169, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Columbus to Dayton costs from $114 to $169.
How far in advance should I book Columbus-to-Dayton movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Columbus to Dayton at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Columbus-to-Dayton movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Dayton?
To save money on your move to Dayton, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
