Arizona to Utah Moving Guide
Updated June 21, 2025

Planning a 543 mile interstate move from Arizona to Utah? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Utah across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like intense summer heat vs cooler mountain climate), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Jello), real estate & housing (southwestern vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Utah), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne asada, but get your taste buds ready for Jello & Funeral Potatoes (with bacon)
- Utah housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in Arizona
- Rent in Utah is 12% more affordable than in Arizona
- Moving from Arizona to Utah will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
- Our top recommended Arizona to Utah movers is Sterling Interstate LLC
Arizona to Utah Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Utah
- Intense summer heat
- Limited skiing options
- High desert dryness
- Less winter sports
- Limited water reservoirs
- Cooler mountain climate
- World-class ski resorts
- Diverse landscapes
- Abundant winter activities
- Larger lakes and rivers
- More snowy days
- Smaller urban areas
- Fewer cultural events
- Far from international borders
- Varying humidity levels
- Sunny weather
- Vibrant city life
- Rich cultural scene
- Proximity to Mexico
- Low humidity
Pros of moving from Arizona to Utah
- Say goodbye to intense summer heat and hello to cooler mountain climate
- Look forward to moving away from limited skiing options and moving to Utah with world-class ski resorts
- Swap the high desert dryness of Arizona for diverse landscapes in Utah
- Get ready for abundant winter activities in Utah
Cons of moving from Arizona to Utah
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunny weather in Arizona to live with more snowy days in Utah
- You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant city life and have to settle for the con of smaller urban areas
- Time to bid farewell to a rich cultural scene and get used to fewer cultural events in Utah
- Swap proximity to Mexico for being far from international borders
Arizona vs. Utah: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arizona | Utah |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chimichanga | Jello |
Most popular meat dish | Carne asada | Funeral Potatoes (with bacon) |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Fry sauce with fries |
Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Avocado Toast |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Arizona to Utah, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Jello of Utah. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne asada and sumptuous Tacos, Utah residents know they have tasty Funeral Potatoes (with bacon) and Fry sauce with fries to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of Utah. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and Bacanora. After the boxes are unpacked in Utah, don't wait too long before making your way to Utah's acclaimed eateries like Handle, Log Haven, and Red Iguana.
When comparing lifestyles, Utah shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Utah compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Utah.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Utah
Comparison | Arizona | Utah |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Southwestern | Craftsman, Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Pool, Outdoor living | Mountain views, Spacious yards |
- The Southwestern architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Utah.
- Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and outdoor living, Utah real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and spacious yards.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Utah is less walkable than Arizona.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Utah is more bike-friendly than Arizona.
- Utah has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
- Utah housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $519,182 compared to Arizonaβs $430,827.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Utah have increased 56%, compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
- Rent in Utah is 12% more affordable than in Arizona.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Utah
Comparison | Arizona | Utah |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Heatwaves, Dust Storms | Snowstorms, Earthquakes |
Air Quality | Variable | Mostly Good, Seasonal Variations |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 106Β°/83Β° | 90Β°/68Β° |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 67Β°/46Β° | 37Β°/20Β° |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 13 | 20 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0 | 56 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Utah. Utah gets 17% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
- Utah has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
- Say goodbye to the possible heatwaves and dust storms in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and earthquakes in Utah.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Utah is 16 degrees colder than in Arizona.
- The average winter lows are 26 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Utah. Utah receives 7 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Utah
Comparison | Arizona | Utah |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,568 | $89,168 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 95.75 |
State Income Tax | 4.50% | 4.95% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.62% | 0.66% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.40% | 7.19% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Retail, Finance | Trade, Technology, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Considerable | Low |
Homelessness | Visible | Less Visible |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Utah tend to earn about 20% more than those in Arizona
- The COLI in Utah is 5% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
- The state income tax in UT is 4.95% compared to 4.50% in AZ
- The affluence in Utah is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Arizona
- The poverty level is low in Utah compared to considerable poverty in Arizona
- In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Arizona and less visible in Utah
Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Utah
Comparison | Arizona | Utah |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Swing State, lean varies | Strongly Republican |
Local Politics | Varied, urban vs rural divide | Conservative, with emphasis on local governance |
Religion | Christian majority, diverse religious presence | <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Latter-day Saints</a> majority, influencing culture and politics |
- Arizona tends to lean swing State, and its political climate varies.
- Utah, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican.
- Utah's religious environment can be described as <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Latter-day Saints</a> majority, influencing culture and politics.
- Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian majority and diverse religious presence.
Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Utah
Comparison | Arizona | Utah |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Arizona Arizona State University Northern Arizona University | University of Utah Brigham Young University Utah State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Khalsa Montessori Elementary School (Phoenix) Basis Scottsdale Primary (Scottsdale) Archway Classical Academy (Chandler) | Wasatch Elementary (Provo) Hawthorne Elementary (Salt Lake City) Ensign Elementary School (Salt Lake City) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Basis Chandler (Chandler) Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale) Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley) | Intermountain Christian School (Salt Lake City) Rowland Hall (Salt Lake City) Beehive Science & Technology Academy (Sandy) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale) Basis Chandler (Chandler) Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley) | Academy for Math Engineering & Science (Salt Lake City) Northern Utah Academy for Math Engineering & Science (Layton) Beehive Science & Technology Academy (Sandy) |
Top 3 private high schools | Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix) The Gregory School (Tucson) Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley) | Rowland Hall (Salt Lake City) Waterford School (Sandy) The Madeleine Choir School (Salt Lake City) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Veritas Preparatory Academy (Phoenix) Rancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale) The Gregory School (Tucson) | Rowland Hall (Salt Lake City) Waterford School (Sandy) Layton Christian Academy (Layton) |
Top 3 School Districts | Scottsdale Unified School District Chandler Unified School District Gilbert Public Schools | Park City School District Davis School District Alpine School District |
How Much Do Arizona to Utah Movers Cost?
Moving 543 miles from Arizona to Utah will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 4-9 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,510 | 300 ft3 | $5.03 |
1 Bedroom | $2,243 | 450 ft3 | $4.98 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,701 | 750 ft3 | $4.93 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,373 | 1100 ft3 | $4.88 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,735 | 1600 ft3 | $4.83 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,612 | 1800 ft3 | $4.78 |
Top Arizona to Utah Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to Utah movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Arizona to Utah