Moving from West Valley City, UT to Newark, NJ
Cross-country relocations like West Valley City, UT → Newark, NJ cover 2169 mi and about 38h 29m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2169 mi · 38h 29m 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
| West Valley City | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.868 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 79 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.311 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 100.868 in West Valley City to 112.563 in Newark, a 11.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up — $471,862 vs $478,455 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: West Valley City +1.3%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | West Valley City | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 24°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.9" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.5" | 50.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Newark.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SALT LAKE CITY INTL AP, UT US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Valley City | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,955 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $88,604 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 30.3 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.55 | 2.7 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.6% between West Valley City and Newark (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Utah and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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: Newark averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between West Valley City and Newark?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Newark vs 54.7°F in West Valley City (0.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 51.9 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 15.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to West Valley City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $471,862 in West Valley City — a 1.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from West Valley City to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2169 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Newark compare to West Valley City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $49,440 in the West Valley City MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 803,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in West Valley City vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $88,604 in West Valley City — a 45.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Newark more expensive than West Valley City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 11.6% higher than West Valley City (112.563 vs 100.868, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Newark, NJ from West Valley City, UT?
The driving distance is 2169 mi and the route typically takes 38h 29m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 9 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 · Newark, NJ.