Moving from West Valley City, UT to Lakewood, CO
A move from West Valley City, UT to Lakewood, CO covers 534 mi and around 9h 18m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
534 mi · 9h 18m by car · CO → WY → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → WY → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 25, US 287 |
| Major cities en route | Arvada, Centennial, Aurora, Denver, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Valley City | Lakewood | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.868 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 79 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.311 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Lakewood and West Valley City are close on the overall BEA RPP (100.868 vs 105.782); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lakewood typical home at $573,913 is 4.9% above West Valley City at $471,862 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: West Valley City +1.3%, Lakewood -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | West Valley City | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 24°F | 21°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.9" | 58.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.5" | 17.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 54.7°F vs 50.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Lakewood sees 58.0 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SALT LAKE CITY INTL AP, UT US, LAKEWOOD, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Valley City | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,955 | 156,309 |
| Median household income | $88,604 | $85,789 |
| Median age | 30.3 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12% | 29.1% |
| Avg household size | 3.55 | 2.26 |
Household income lines up — $88,604 vs $85,789 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lakewood 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 Utah 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 — 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
- 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: Lakewood averages 58.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between West Valley City and Lakewood?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Lakewood vs 54.7°F in West Valley City (4.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 58.0 in vs 51.9 in. Annual precipitation: 17.5 in vs 15.5 in.
Is Lakewood more expensive than West Valley City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lakewood is 4.9% higher than West Valley City (105.782 vs 100.868, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lakewood compared to West Valley City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $573,913 in Lakewood vs $471,862 in West Valley City — a 21.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in West Valley City vs Lakewood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,789 in Lakewood vs $88,604 in West Valley City — a 3.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from West Valley City to Lakewood?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 534 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lakewood compare to West Valley City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Lakewood MSA vs $49,440 in the West Valley City MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 803,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Lakewood, CO from West Valley City, UT?
The driving distance is 534 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from West Valley City.
City profiles: West Valley City, UT · Lakewood, CO.