Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Kansas City to Dayton
What to know before moving from Kansas City to Dayton
Moving from Kansas City 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 Kansas City than in Dayton, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Kansas City compares to Dayton so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Kansas City | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,300 | $925 |
| Average home value | $233,378 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,551 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,361 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.4% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Dayton are 29% lower than in Kansas City, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Dayton.
Home prices in Dayton are 41.8% lower than in Kansas City. - Income in Dayton is 2.9% lower than in Kansas City, so you could earn less for doing the same job. 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 35.6% lower than in Kansas City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Dayton is 40.4% lower than in Kansas City.
- The unemployment rate in Dayton is 28.30% higher than in Kansas City.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Dayton, since the cityโs sales taxes in Dayton are 10.71% lower than in Kansas City.
- One perk of moving to Dayton is paying less in state income taxes, which are 27.08% lower than in Kansas City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,932.47 in Dayton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Kansas City.
How life is different in Kansas City vs. Dayton
| Dayton | Kansas City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,644 | 508,090 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 35 |
| Crime Index | 4.0 | 58.4 |
| Safety Index | 40.68 | 42.6 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Dayton's population is about 73% less than Kansas City.
- Dayton's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Kansas City's lower score of 4.
- Dayton is more walkable than Kansas City with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Kansas City's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Dayton is more bike-friendly than Kansas City, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Dayton's crime rate is lower than Kansas City with a score of 4.0 compared to Kansas City's 58.4. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4%.
- Dayton and Kansas City are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Dayton is moderate, and in Kansas City it's good.
Other things to consider for your Kansas City vs. Dayton move
- Weather: September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre 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 check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Ohio doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Dayton. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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
Ready to relocate to "Gem City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Dayton.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- South Park
- Oregon District
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
Things to do in Dayton
Once youโre settled into your new home in Ohio, itโs time to get out and discover what Dayton has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Dayton features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 cityโs Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League) and Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Dayton?
The best time to move from Kansas City to Dayton is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Kansas City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Kansas City to Dayton?
Because most people are moving from Kansas City 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 Kansas City to Dayton take?
The 598-mile move from Kansas City, MO, to Dayton, OH, takes one to six days. Some Kansas City movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Dayton.
