Utah to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Utah to California

ConsUtah

• Limited job variety
• Harsh winter weather
• Fewer cultural events
• Less coastline

ProsCalifornia

• Diverse job market
• Milder year-round climate
• Rich cultural scene
• Extensive beaches

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California

• Higher living expenses
• Frequent traffic jams
• Urban sprawl
• Less community feel

Utah

• Lower cost of living
• Less traffic congestion
• Serene landscapes
• Community-focused

Pros of moving from Utah to California

• Say goodbye to limited job variety and hello to a diverse job market
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winter weather and moving to California with a milder year-round climate
• Swap the fewer cultural events of Utah for a rich cultural scene in California
• Get ready for extensive beaches in California

Cons of moving from Utah to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Utah to live with higher living expenses in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic congestion and have to settle for the con of frequent traffic jams
• Time to bid farewell to serene landscapes and get used to urban sprawl in California
• Swap community-focused for a less community feel

Utah vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Utah to California, you will be trading the iconic Jell-O of Utah for the equally delicious Avocado toast of California. And while the locals in Utah rave about their flavorful Fry sauce with everything and sumptuous Navajo taco, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip barbecue and Fish tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetarian Mormon funeral potatoes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Impossible burger of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Utah eateries like The Pie Pizzeria, Red Iguana, and Hires Big H. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and La Farine.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Utah and California

• The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Utah is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Utah's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and proximity to national parks, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and eco-friendly features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Utah.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Utah.
• California has more of an urban feel than Utah.
• California housing costs are 51% more expensive than they are in Utah, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Utah’s $519,182.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased 42% compared to a 56% increase in Utah.
• Rent in California is 61.89% more expensive than in Utah.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Utah to California. California gets 19% more sunny days than Utah.
• California has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Utah.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and earthquakes in Utah, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 10 degrees colder than in Utah.
• The average winter lows are 28 degrees warmer than they are in Utah.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in California. California receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Utah.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Utah and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 3% more than in Utah
• The COLI in California will be 42% higher than what you are used to living in Utah
• The state income tax in CA is 1% to 13.3% compared to 4.95% in UT
• The affluence in California is significant compared to growing in Utah
• The poverty level is widespread in California compared to moderate in Utah
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Utah and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Utah vs. California

• Utah tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Liberal
• California's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse
• Utah's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a majority LDS (Mormon)

Education Guide When Moving from Utah to California

How Much Do Utah to California Movers Cost?

Moving 778 miles from Utah to California 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.