Moving from Newport News, VA to Salt Lake City, UT
A 2219 mi cross-country move between Newport News and Salt Lake City is 39h 35m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2219 mi Β· 39h 35m by car Β· UT β WY β NE β MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | UT β WY β NE β MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 64, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | West Valley City, West Jordan, Lincoln, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | Salt Lake City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 100.868 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 79 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 123.311 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 97.941 vs 100.868 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 3.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $290,660 to $573,181 moving to Salt Lake City.
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Salt Lake City +1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 49.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 17.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Newport News (59.5Β°F) and Salt Lake City (55.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Salt Lake City averages 49.0 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: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, SALT LAKE TRIAD CTR, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 203,888 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $74,925 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.29 |
Households in Salt Lake City earn about 3.0% more at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Virginia 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.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
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
Is Salt Lake City more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Salt Lake City is 3.0% higher than Newport News (100.868 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Salt Lake City compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $573,181 in Salt Lake City vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 97.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Newport News 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 2219 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Newport News vs Salt Lake City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,925 in Salt Lake City vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 12.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Salt Lake City, UT from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 2219 mi and the route typically takes 39h 35m via I 80 and I 64. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Salt Lake City compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the Salt Lake City MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 803,800 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Newport News.
City profiles: Newport News, VA Β· Salt Lake City, UT.