Moving from Arvada, CO to Provo, UT
The 479 mi from Arvada to Provo translate to about 9h 1m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
479 mi · 9h 1m by car · CO → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 6, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Thornton, Westminster, Boulder, Denver, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Arvada | Provo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 98.232 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 78.63 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 104.081 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Provo are 7.1% below Arvada — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Provo typical home at $484,203 is 7.1% under Arvada at $616,566 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Arvada -2.5%, Provo +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Arvada | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 24°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 75.5" | 44.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.1" | 17.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.3°F vs 54.6°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Provo sees 44.9 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US, PROVO BYU, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Arvada | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,835 | 114,303 |
| Median household income | $113,396 | $62,800 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 23.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.7% | 31.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 3.35 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.1% between Arvada and Provo (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Provo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,750 | $38,840 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 24,860 | $36,930 |
| Management Occupations | 24,030 | $105,290 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,860 | $29,550 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,880 | $63,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Utah
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Utah's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Provo averages 44.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Provo average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Utah after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Provo compared to Arvada?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $484,203 in Provo vs $616,566 in Arvada — a 21.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Arvada to Provo?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 479 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Arvada vs Provo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,800 in Provo vs $113,396 in Arvada — a 44.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Provo, UT from Arvada, CO?
The driving distance is 479 mi and the route typically takes 9h 1m via I 70 and US 6. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Provo compare to Arvada?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,700 in the Provo MSA vs $58,490 in the Arvada MSA, on total employment of 293,170 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Provo more expensive than Arvada?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Provo is 7.1% lower than Arvada (98.232 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Arvada and Provo?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.6°F in Provo vs 50.3°F in Arvada (4.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.9 in vs 75.5 in. Annual precipitation: 17.2 in vs 17.1 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Arvada.
City profiles: Arvada, CO · Provo, UT.