Moving from Rochester, MN to Provo, UT
Relocating 1250 mi from Rochester to Provo is a 21h 47m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1250 mi · 21h 47m by car · MN → SD → WY → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | MN → SD → WY → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, WY 789, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Provo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 98.232 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 78.63 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 104.081 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 8.2% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.2% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $339,455 to $484,203 moving to Provo.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Provo +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 24°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 44.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 17.2" |
Expect 9.8°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Provo averages 44.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, PROVO BYU, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 114,303 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $62,800 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 23.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 31.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 3.35 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.2% — $87,767 → $62,800 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Minnesota 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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
- 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
Is Provo more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Provo is 8.2% higher than Rochester (98.232 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Provo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,800 in Provo vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 28.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Provo?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.6°F in Provo vs 44.8°F in Rochester (9.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.9 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 17.2 in vs 34.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 1250 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Provo compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $484,203 in Provo vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 42.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Provo compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,700 in the Provo MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 293,170 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Provo, UT from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 1250 mi and the route typically takes 21h 47m via I 90 and WY 789. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Provo, UT.