Moving from Dayton to Cleveland, OH
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Quick answer: Moving from Dayton to Cleveland costs between $299 to $6,601 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 Dayton to Cleveland
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Dayton to Cleveland are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Dayton to driving and unloading in Cleveland, 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 | $1,759 - $5,219 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,174 - $2,245 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $322 - $619 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $140/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 Dayton to Cleveland?
It costs between $299 to $6,601 to move from Dayton to Cleveland. The prices below break down your 212-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,049 - $6,601
- Moving containers: $998 - $2,926
- Rental trucks: $299 - $723
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,049 - $4,032 | $998 - $1,638 | $299 - $513 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,759 - $5,219 | $1,174 - $2,245 | $322 - $619 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,482 - $6,601 | $1,589 - $2,926 | $400 - $723 |
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 | $240 - $2,000+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $140/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $60/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $160 - $640 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $40 - $160 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Dayton to Cleveland
At 212 miles, your Dayton to Cleveland 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 Dayton to Cleveland. 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
American Way Van & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Dayton to Cleveland. They've been in business since 1991 (35 years of experience) and 77.2% of their 145 verified reviews are positive.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cleveland to Dayton guide.
Considerations when moving from Dayton to Cleveland
Cost of living: Dayton vs. Cleveland
Comparing life in Dayton and Cleveland 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 Cleveland stacks up against Dayton.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Dayton | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $925 | $1,295 |
| Average home cost | $94,536 | $96,509 |
| Average income (per capita) | $43,454 | $39,187 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,593 | $2,490 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,788 | $6,729 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 6.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.5% | 8.0% |
- Rent prices in Cleveland are 40% higher than in Dayton. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Cleveland and Dayton 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 Cleveland is 10% lower than in Dayton, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Cost of living for one person is 56% higher in Cleveland compared to Dayton. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Cleveland, expect living costs to be about 78% higher than in Dayton. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Cleveland a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Cleveland matches that of Dayton, so you can look forward to a similar job market and employment opportunities in your new city.
- Sales tax in Cleveland is 7% higher than in Dayton, so expect to spend a bit more on things like meals, shopping, and other taxable purchases.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Dayton, you’d need roughly $4,680 to maintain the same lifestyle in Cleveland.
How life is different in Dayton vs. Cleveland
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Cleveland compared to Dayton. 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.
| Dayton | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,644 | 372,624 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 50-48 | Republican 55-43 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 21ºF | 22ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 17" | 54" |
| Crime index | 4.0 | 63.41 |
Cleveland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Cleveland is approximately 171% greater than the population of Dayton. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- In the last presidential election, Cleveland leaned Republican, while Dayton leaned Democratic.
- Moving between Dayton and Cleveland won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 82°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Dayton and Cleveland experience similar lows—expect 21°F in Dayton and 22°F in Cleveland.
- Both Dayton and Cleveland experience similar annual rainfall, with Dayton receiving 40 inches and Cleveland getting 38 inches.
- Typically, Cleveland gets more snow than Dayton, averaging 54 inches a year versus Dayton’s 17.
- Crime is higher in Cleveland (63.41) than in Dayton (4.0).
Things to do in Cleveland
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Cleveland.
Museums in Cleveland
- A Christmas Story House
- African American Museum
- ARTneo
- Artists Archives of the Western Reserve
- Baseball Heritage Museum
Parks in Cleveland
- Edgewater Park
- Cleveland Metroparks
- Cleveland Botanical Garden
- Rocky River Reservation
- Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse
Sports teams in Cleveland
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
- Cleveland Charge NBA G-League)
- Cleveland Crunch (MASL2)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
Universities in Cleveland
- Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)
- Cleveland State University (CSU)
- Cuyahoga Community College
- Ohio Technical College
- Baldwin Wallace University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Dayton to Cleveland?
Shipping furniture from Dayton to Cleveland with a mover will cost between $950 and $3,429. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,759–$5,219, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Dayton to Cleveland will cost from $2,482–$6,601.
How much are moving container companies from Dayton to Cleveland?
If you're moving from Dayton to Cleveland and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $646 to $1,676. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,174 and $2,245. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,589 up to $2,926.
How much is a moving truck from Dayton to Cleveland?
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 $296 and $508. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $322 to $619. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Dayton to Cleveland, truck rental prices typically range from $400 up to $723.
How far in advance should I book Dayton-to-Cleveland movers?
For a smooth move from Dayton to Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?
To score the best moving deals to Cleveland, 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.
