California to Utah Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Utah

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Dense population
• Drought concerns
• Earthquake risk

ProsUtah

• Affordable housing
• Less traffic
• Space to grow
• Ample water resources
• Lower seismic activity

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Utah

• Landlocked
• Less cultural diversity
• Smaller job market
• Limited nightlife
• Fewer higher-education options

California

• Coastal views
• Diverse culture
• Vibrant economy
• Endless entertainment
• World-class universities

Pros of moving from California to Utah

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Utah with less traffic
• Swap the dense population of California for space to grow in Utah
• Get ready for ample water resources in Utah

Cons of moving from California to Utah

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal views in California to live landlocked in Utah
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural diversity
• Time to bid farewell to a vibrant economy and get used to a smaller job market in Utah
• Swap endless entertainment for limited nightlife

California vs. Utah: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Utah, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Funeral Potatoes of Utah. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tripas Tacos and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Utah residents know they have tasty Utah Scones with Honey Butter and Fry Sauce with Fries to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Jambalaya of Utah. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in Utah, don't wait too long before making your way to Utah's acclaimed eateries like Red Iguana, Crown Burgers, and Log Haven.

When comparing lifestyles, Utah shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Utah compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Utah.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Utah

• The Spanish and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Utah.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to the beach and eco-friendly features, 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 California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Utah is less bike-friendly than California.
• Utah has less of an urban feel than California.
• Utah housing costs are 34% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $519,182 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Utah have increased 56% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Utah is 38.23% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Utah

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Utah. Utah gets 19% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Utah has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and wildfires in Utah.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Utah is 5 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 24 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Utah. Utah receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Utah

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Utah tend to earn about 3% less than in California
• The COLI in Utah will be 30% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in UT is 4.95% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Utah is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Utah compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is severe in California and moderate in Utah

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Utah

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Utah, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
• Utah's religious environment can be described as predominantly Latter-day Saints (Mormon)
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a multicultural and diverse religious landscape

Education Guide When Moving from California to Utah

How Much Do California to Utah Movers Cost?

Moving 779 miles from California to Utah will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.