Top-rated local movers that handle Madison to Dayton moves
When planning a move from Madison to Dayton, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Madison who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Madison to Dayton.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Dayton?
Movers in Wisconsin charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,057 – $3,153 | $660 – $1,492 | $358 – $659 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,886 – $4,810 | $1,182 – $2,315 | $410 – $798 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,087 – $7,175 | $1,538 – $2,962 | $510 – $959 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Dayton
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to Dayton, you can expect to spend between $1,057 and $3,153. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,886 to $4,810 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Madison to Dayton typically runs between $3,087 and $7,175.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Dayton
When moving from Madison to Dayton, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $660 and $1,492. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,182 to $2,315. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,538 up to $2,962. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Dayton
Renting a moving truck in Madison is usually your cheapest option to get to Dayton. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $358 and $659. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $410 and $798. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $510 and $959.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Madison to Dayton
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,423, but larger homes can run up to $5,896.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Madison.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($358–$864) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Madison to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Madison – roughly 30% less for singles and 31% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $2,292 in Madison. For a family of four, it’s $3,788 compared with $5,457.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Madison | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 3.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 42% lower in Dayton than in Madison, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 63% lower in Dayton than in Madison.
- The average income in Dayton and Madison is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Dayton, where the cost of living for a single person is 30% less than in Madison.
- Moving to Dayton could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 31% less than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Dayton is 106% higher compared to Madison, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 36% higher in Dayton than in Madison. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 54% lower in Ohio compared to Wisconsin. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Madison with Dayton:
| Living Expense | Madison | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Dayton.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Madison than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Dayton.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Dayton.
How life is different in Madison vs. Dayton
| Madison | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 47 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Dayton’s population is about 49% less than Madison.
- Dayton’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Madison, making them very similar.
- Dayton is less walkable than Madison with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Dayton has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Dayton’s crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 4.0 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 40.68 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Dayton move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Dayton smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Dayton
Now that you’ve chosen Gem City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Dayton to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Webster Station
- South Park
- Oregon District
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it’s time to see what Dayton is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Dayton offers cultural landmarks like the National Museum of the US Air Force, America’s Packard Museum – The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton International Peace Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Dayton?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Madison to Dayton are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Madison are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Dayton?
Because spring and fall moves from Madison to Dayton are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Madison to Dayton take?
A move of 448 miles from Madison, WI to Dayton, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Madison sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Dayton is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Madison offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Madison have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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