Utah to Montana Moving Guide
Updated June 18, 2025

Planning a 741 mile interstate move from Utah to Montana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Utah vs Montana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs more affordable housing), food & health (like Jell-O vs Huckleberry Pie), real estate & housing (modern and craftsman vs rustic and mountain), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Utah), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Jell-O and Fry sauce with fries, but get your taste buds ready for Huckleberry Pie & Bison Steak
- Montana housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in Utah
- Rent in Montana is 16.32% more affordable than in Utah
- Moving from Utah to Montana will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Utah to Montana movers is 801 Moving Company
Utah to Montana Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Utah to Montana
- High cost of living
- Less outdoor space
- Heavy traffic
- More affordable housing
- Vast open landscapes
- Less congestion
- Fewer cultural festivals
- Limited job opportunities
- Fewer amenities
- Rich cultural events
- Strong job market
- Proximity to Ski Resorts
Pros of moving from Utah to Montana
- Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
- Look forward to moving away from less outdoor space and moving to Montana with vast open landscapes
- Swap the heavy traffic of Utah for less congestion in Montana
Cons of moving from Utah to Montana
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich cultural events in Utah to live with fewer cultural festivals in Montana
- You'll lose out on the pro of a strong job market and have to settle for the con of limited job opportunities
- Time to bid farewell to the proximity to ski resorts and get used to fewer amenities in Montana
Utah vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Utah | Montana |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Jell-O | Huckleberry Pie |
Most popular meat dish | Fry sauce with fries | Bison Steak |
Most popular street food item | Navajo Taco | Elk Burgers |
Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Quinoa Salad |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
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 Utah to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Jell-O of Utah for the equally delicious Huckleberry Pie of Montana. And while the locals in Utah rave about their flavorful Fry Sauce with fries and sumptuous Navajo Taco, Montana residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Elk Burgers 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 Quinoa Salad of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Utah eateries like The Roof Restaurant, The Pie Pizzeria, and Red Iguana. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Montana Brewing Company, 2nd Street Bistro, and Bozeman Chophouse.
When comparing lifestyles, Montana shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Utah. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Montana, compared to what you are used to in Utah. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Montana.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Utah and Montana
Comparison | Utah | Montana |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Craftsman | Rustic and Mountain |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Smart home features, energy efficiency | Scenic views, proximity to nature |
- The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Utah is known for will be replaced with the Rustic and Mountain architecture typical of Montana.
- Compared to Utah's real estate listings that commonly reference smart home features and energy efficiency, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like scenic views and proximity to nature.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Montana is less walkable than Utah.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Montana is less bike-friendly than Utah.
- Montana has less of an urban feel than Utah.
- Montana housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in Utah, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Utahβs $519,182.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased 71% compared to a 56% increase in Utah.
- Rent in Montana is 16.32% more affordable than in Utah.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Utah and Montana
Comparison | Utah | Montana |
---|---|---|
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 | Wildfires, Earthquakes | Wildfires, Severe Snowstorms |
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85-100Β°F / 55-70Β°F | 80-90Β°F / 50-60Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 30-50Β°F / 20-30Β°F | 28-35Β°F / 10-20Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 20" | 15" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 54" | 90" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Utah to Montana. Montana gets 14% fewer sunshine days than Utah.
- Montana has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Utah.
- Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and earthquakes in Utah, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and severe snowstorms in Montana.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 5 degrees colder than in Utah.
- The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Utah.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Utah.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Utah and Montana
Comparison | Utah | Montana |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $89,168 | $67,631 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.75 | 99.4 |
State Income Tax | 4.95% | Variable, up to 6.75% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.58% | 0.83% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 4.85% | 0% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Tourism, Education | Agriculture, Mining, Tourism |
Affluence | Moderate | Varied |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Manageable | Emerging |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 24% less than in Utah
- The COLI in Montana is 4% higher than what you are used to living in Utah
- The state income tax in MT is variable, up to 6.75% compared to 4.95% in UT
- The affluence in Montana is varied compared to moderate in Utah
- The poverty level is moderate in Montana compared to low in Utah
- In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Utah and emerging in Montana
Political and Religious Climate in Utah vs. Montana
Comparison | Utah | Montana |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Primarily Republican | Mixed, with a Republican lean |
Local Politics | Conservative, with a strong focus on family values | Libertarian and conservative mix, value independence |
Religion | Largely LDS (Mormon) | Christianity, less denomination-specific |
- Utah tends to lean primarily Republican in its political climate
- Montana, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a Republican lean
- Montana's religious environment can be described as Christianity, less denomination-specific
- Utah's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely LDS (Mormon)
Education Guide When Moving from Utah to Montana
Comparison | Utah | Montana |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Utah Utah State University Brigham Young University | University of Montana Montana State University Montana Tech |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Canyon Crest Elementary (Provo) Oakridge Elementary (Salt Lake City) Edgemont Elementary (Provo) | Chief Joseph Elementary (Bozeman) Cold Springs Elementary (Missoula) Hawthorne Elementary (Bozeman) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Foothill Middle School (Wendover) Midvale Middle School (Midvale) Centennial Middle School (Provo) | Bozeman Middle School (Bozeman) Sacajawea Middle School (Bozeman) East Middle School (Great Falls) |
Top 3 High Schools | Park City High School (Park City) Timpview High School (Provo) Skyline High School (Salt Lake City) | Bozeman High School (Bozeman) Sentinel High School (Missoula) Hellgate High School (Missoula) |
Top 3 private high schools | Rowland Hall (Salt Lake City) Waterford School (Sandy) The Madeleine Choir School (Salt Lake City) | Missoula International School (Missoula) Petra Academy (Bozeman) Mount Ellis Academy (Bozeman) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Layton Christian Academy (Layton) Saint John the Baptist (Draper) Rowland Hall (Salt Lake City) | The Discovery School (Bozeman) Susitna Valley High (Talkeetna) Mount Ellis Academy (Bozeman) |
Top 3 School Districts | Park City School District Davis School District Canyons School District | Bozeman School District Billings School District Missoula County Public Schools |
How Much Do Utah to Montana Movers Cost?
Moving 741 miles from Utah to Montana 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.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 4-4 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: 801 Moving Company
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,623 | 300 ft3 | $5.41 |
1 Bedroom | $2,411 | 450 ft3 | $5.36 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,981 | 750 ft3 | $5.31 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,784 | 1100 ft3 | $5.26 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,334 | 1600 ft3 | $5.21 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,285 | 1800 ft3 | $5.16 |
Top Utah to Montana Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Utah to Montana movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.