Moving from Sparks, NV to Centennial, CO
Relocating 1048 mi from Sparks to Centennial is a 17h 39m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1048 mi Β· 17h 39m by car Β· NV β UT β WY β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NV β UT β WY β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 25, US 287 |
| Major cities en route | Reno, West Valley City, Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Fort Collins |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sparks | Centennial | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 101.014 vs 105.782 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $529,283 to $649,086 moving to Centennial.
YoY change: Sparks -0.5%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sparks | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.4" | 15.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Sparks (53.5Β°F) and Centennial (50.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPARKS, NV US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sparks | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,106 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $86,979 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.59 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.7% β $86,979 β $128,167 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Centennial MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nevada and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Centennial, CO from Sparks, NV?
The driving distance is 1048 mi and the route typically takes 17h 39m via I 80 and I 25. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sparks vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $86,979 in Sparks β a 47.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Sparks to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1048 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Sparks?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial MSA vs $47,540 in the Sparks MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Centennial more expensive than Sparks?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial is 4.7% higher than Sparks (105.782 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Sparks?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $529,283 in Sparks β a 22.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sparks.
City profiles: Sparks, NV Β· Centennial, CO.