Moving from West Valley City, UT to Peoria, AZ
Relocating 652 mi from West Valley City to Peoria is a 12h 17m drive through 2 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.
652 mi · 12h 17m by car · AZ → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 89, I 15, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Glendale, Surprise, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Valley City | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.868 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 79 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.311 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 100.868 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $471,862 vs $488,596.
YoY change: West Valley City +1.3%, Peoria -1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | West Valley City | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 24°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.9" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.5" | 9.6" |
Expect 15.5°F warmer on average per year — plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Peoria gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SALT LAKE CITY INTL AP, UT US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Valley City | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,955 | 194,338 |
| Median household income | $88,604 | $93,403 |
| Median age | 30.3 | 42.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.55 | 2.66 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.4% higher in Peoria than West Valley City.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Peoria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Utah and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Peoria average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Peoria sees only 9.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Peoria more expensive than West Valley City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 2.4% higher than West Valley City (103.316 vs 100.868, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between West Valley City and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.2°F in Peoria vs 54.7°F in West Valley City (15.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 51.9 in. Annual precipitation: 9.6 in vs 15.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to West Valley City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $488,596 in Peoria vs $471,862 in West Valley City — a 3.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Peoria, AZ from West Valley City, UT?
The driving distance is 652 mi and the route typically takes 12h 17m via US 89 and I 15. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in West Valley City vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,403 in Peoria vs $88,604 in West Valley City — a 5.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from West Valley City to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 652 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to West Valley City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Peoria MSA vs $49,440 in the West Valley City MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 803,800 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 West Valley City.
City profiles: West Valley City, UT · Peoria, AZ.