Moving from Centennial, CO to Salt Lake City, UT
The drive from Centennial, CO to Salt Lake City, UT runs 536 mi β about 9h 18m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
536 mi Β· 9h 18m by car Β· UT β WY β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | UT β WY β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 25, US 287 |
| Major cities en route | West Valley City, West Jordan, Fort Collins, Greeley, Boulder |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | Salt Lake City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 100.868 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 79 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 123.311 | 100.0 |
Salt Lake City and Centennial are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.782 vs 100.868); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 4.6% lower in Salt Lake City than Centennial as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Salt Lake City +1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 49.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 17.7" |
Climate warms by 5.6Β°F on the annual average β 50.2Β°F β 55.8Β°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Salt Lake City sees 49.0 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, SALT LAKE TRIAD CTR, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 203,888 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $74,925 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.29 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.6% between Centennial and Salt Lake City (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Salt Lake City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 126,170 | $43,640 |
| Management Occupations | 69,550 | $106,250 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 66,590 | $43,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 64,620 | $69,990 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 62,830 | $40,320 |
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.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Salt Lake City averages 49.0 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 Salt Lake City average 91Β°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 Salt Lake City, UT from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 536 mi and the route typically takes 9h 18m via I 80 and I 25. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Salt Lake City compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the Salt Lake City MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial MSA, on total employment of 803,800 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Salt Lake City more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Salt Lake City is 4.6% lower than Centennial (100.868 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Salt Lake City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,925 in Salt Lake City vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 41.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Salt Lake City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 536 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Salt Lake City compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $573,181 in Salt Lake City vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 11.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Salt Lake City, UT.