Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Daytontoggle

The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Charleston to Dayton can be as low as $1,265 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,503.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $582 to $1,378. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Dayton

Moving from Charleston to Dayton means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in Dayton, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Charleston compares to Dayton so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Charleston Dayton
Average rent cost $2,500 $925
Average home value $559,231 $135,815
Average income (per capita) $62,294 $62,673
Cost of living (single person) $5,300 $1,593
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,890 $3,788
Unemployment rate 4.0% 6.8%
Sales tax 9.0% 7.5%
State income tax 7.0% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Dayton are 63% lower than in Charleston, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Dayton.
    Home prices in Dayton are 75.7% lower than in Charleston.
  • Income is the same in Dayton and Charleston. The top employers in Dayton include Morgan Linen & Uniform Services, Premier Physicians, and Maple Timber Acquisition LLC.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Dayton is 69.9% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Dayton is 52.0% lower than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Dayton is 70.00% higher than in Charleston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Dayton, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Dayton are 16.67% lower than in Charleston.
  • One perk of moving to Dayton is paying less in state income taxes, which are 50.00% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $901.70 in Dayton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Dayton

Dayton Charleston
Population 137,644 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 3
Walkability score 45 40
Bike friendliness score 47 50
Crime Index 4.0 44.97
Safety Index 40.68 55.03
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Dayton's population is about 8% less than Charleston.
  • Dayton's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
  • Dayton is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
  • Both Dayton and Charleston have the same bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, meaning Dayton is about as safe for cyclists as Charleston. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Dayton's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 4.0 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
  • Dayton is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 40.68 vs Charleston's 55.03.
  • Air quality in Dayton is moderate, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Dayton move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Ohio doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Dayton without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Dayton

With your sights set on "Gem City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Dayton.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Oakwood
  • Centerville
  • Springboro
  • Five Points
  • Bellbrook

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Webster Station
  • South Park
  • Shroyer Park
  • Five Oaks
  • Gratton Hill

Things to do in Dayton

After settling into your new Ohio home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Dayton has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Dayton is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Museum of the US Air Force, America's Packard Museum - The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton International Peace Museum, and British Transportation Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League) and Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Charleston to Dayton?

The best time to move from Charleston to Dayton is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.

When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Dayton?

Because most people are moving from Charleston to Dayton in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Charleston to Dayton take?

The 662-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Dayton, OH, takes one to six days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Dayton.

Helpful moving resources