Moving from Centennial, CO to Provo, UT
The 492 mi from Centennial to Provo translate to about 9h 18m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
492 mi Β· 9h 18m by car Β· UT β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | UT β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 50, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Boulder, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | 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 |
Provo is 7.1% cheaper than Centennial overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Provo is 7.1% below Centennial β $649,086 vs $484,203 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Provo +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 17.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Centennial (50.2Β°F) and Provo (54.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Provo averages 44.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, PROVO BYU, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 114,303 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $62,800 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 23.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 31.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 3.35 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.1% between Centennial 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- 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.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Provo average 95Β°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 far is Provo, UT from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 492 mi and the route typically takes 9h 18m via I 70 and US 50. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Provo more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Provo is 7.1% lower than Centennial (98.232 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Provo compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,700 in the Provo MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial 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.
How much do homes cost in Provo compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $484,203 in Provo vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 25.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Provo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,800 in Provo vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 51.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Provo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 492 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Provo, UT.