Moving from Newark, NJ to Provo, UT
A 2180 mi cross-country move between Newark and Provo is 38h 45m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2180 mi · 38h 45m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Provo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 98.232 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 78.63 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 104.081 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.7% moving from Newark to Provo — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Provo ($484,203) sits close to Newark ($478,455) — no material housing gap.
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Provo +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Newark | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 24°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 44.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 17.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 54.8°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: HARRISON, NJ US, PROVO BYU, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 114,303 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $62,800 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 23.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 31.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 3.35 |
Provo households earn about 12.7% more than Newark at the median — $48,416 → $62,800 on 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 New Jersey 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 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 does household income compare in Newark vs Provo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,800 in Provo vs $48,416 in Newark — a 29.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Provo compare to Newark?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,700 in the Provo MSA vs $59,390 in the Newark MSA, on total employment of 293,170 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Provo compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $484,203 in Provo vs $478,455 in Newark — a 1.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Newark 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 2180 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Provo more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Provo is 12.7% lower than Newark (98.232 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Provo, UT from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 2180 mi and the route typically takes 38h 45m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Newark and Provo?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.6°F in Provo vs 54.8°F in Newark (0.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 44.9 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 17.2 in vs 50.4 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ · Provo, UT.