Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Daytontoggle

The cost of Chicago 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 Chicago to Dayton can be as low as $1,024 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,709.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, 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 $350 to $816. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Dayton

Chicago Dayton
Average rent cost $2,045 $925
Average home value $295,743 $135,815
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $62,673
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $1,593
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $3,788
Unemployment rate 9.0% 6.8%
Sales tax 10.25% 7.5%
State income tax 4.95% 3.5%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Dayton are 55% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Dayton are 54.1% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Dayton is 12.4% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Dayton is 24.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Dayton is 19.1% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Dayton is 24.44% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Dayton are 26.83% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Dayton are 29.29% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,733.59 in Dayton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Dayton

Dayton Chicago
Population 137,644 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 45 77
Bike friendliness score 47 72
Crime Index 4.0 35.19
Safety Index 40.68 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Dayton's population is about 95% less than Chicago.
  • Dayton's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Dayton is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Dayton has a bike-friendliness score 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • Dayton's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 4.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Dayton is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 40.68 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Dayton is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Dayton move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Dayton. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Dayton

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Gem City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Dayton.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Oakwood
  • Centerville
  • Springboro
  • Five Points
  • Bellbrook

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Downtown
  • Webster Station
  • South Park
  • Oregon District
  • Shroyer Park
  • Five Oaks
  • Gratton Hill

Things to do in Daytontoggle

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.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

Because most people are moving from Chicago 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 Chicago to Dayton take?

The 297-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Dayton, OH, takes one to four days. Some Chicago 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

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