Best California to Utah Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to Utah and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 779 mile CA to UT move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 317 California to Utah moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to Utah. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best California to Utah Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | 801 Moving Company | 9.40 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Best of Utah Moving Company | 9.33 | 8.73 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to Utah
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 779 miles from California to Utah will cost on average $2,444 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to UT move is roughly $5,863. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in California and dropoff in Utah as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve California to Utah movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,644 | 300 ft³ | 5.48 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,444 | 450 ft³ | 5.43 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,035 | 750 ft³ | 5.38 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,863 | 1100 ft³ | 5.33 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,449 | 1600 ft³ | 5.28 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,415 | 1800 ft³ | 5.23 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Utah to California guide.
Popular California to Utah Moving Destinations
Make an easier move when you book with the best.
See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from California to Utah
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular California to Utah Moving Routes
- Los Angeles to Salt Lake City
- San Diego to Salt Lake City
- San Jose to Salt Lake City
- San Francisco to Salt Lake City
- Fresno to Salt Lake City
- Sacramento to Salt Lake City
- Long Beach to Salt Lake City
- Oakland to Salt Lake City
- Bakersfield to Salt Lake City
- Anaheim to Salt Lake City
- Santa Ana to Salt Lake City
- Riverside to Salt Lake City
Compare the 6 Best CA to UT Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Chico, CA, 95973
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3421940 / 1416634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2024) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
801 Moving Company
3735 Redmaple Rd
Millcreek, UT, 84106
About 801 Moving Company
801 Moving Company has been serving the Salt Lake City Metro, UT area since 2008. Based in Salt Lake City, this...
Services
- Packing services
- Long-distance moves
- Local moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4140953 / 1587673 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
Best of Utah Moving Company
10291 S 1300 E #142
Sandy, UT, 84094
About Best of Utah Moving Company
Best of Utah Moving Company is one of the top-rated local moving companies in Utah. It is fully licensed and insured...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Office moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2920944 / 1476153 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Utah
Moving from one state to another offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison between California and Utah aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Through examining the cons and pros, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what awaits in your potential new home.
California- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Higher taxes
- Dense population
Utah- Lower cost of living
- Less congestion
- Lower taxes
- More open space
Utah- Less diversity
- Smaller cities
- No beaches
- Cold winters
California- Diverse culture
- Vibrant cities
- Beach access
- Year-round sun
When considering the move from California to Utah, the contrasts paint a vivid picture of change. While you might miss the endless beaches and multicultural vibrancy of cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, Utah counters with its own charm. You'll discover breathtaking natural landscapes, including the iconic national parks like Zion and Arches. The lower cost of living might also mean more opportunities to enjoy what Utah offers, such as dining at local gems like Log Haven in Salt Lake City or exploring unique sights in smaller cities like Provo. The transition from California’s bustling urban sprawl to Utah’s serene and open landscape offers the chance to experience the outdoors and community living in a whole new way.
California vs. Utah Food Guide
Understanding that food is an essential part of local culture and can significantly influence your living experience, we aim to help you navigate this aspect of your relocation. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Utah to give you a better sense of the food scene in both states.
| California | Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Funeral Potatoes |
| Most popular meat dish | Tripas Tacos | Utah Scones with Honey Butter |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Fry Sauce with Fries |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Vegan Jambalaya |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving to Utah, you'll notice a significant shift in the local cuisine compared to California. In neighborhoods like Salt Lake City, the historic Red Iguana offers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, famous for its moles, which may come as a delightful discovery for those accustomed to California's vibrant Mexican food scene. Meanwhile, Crown Burgers introduces you to the unique Utah culinary tradition of serving burgers with pastrami, a fusion that's hard to find outside the state. Utah's burgeoning vegan scene, with spots like Sage's Cafe and Vertical Diner, showcases the state's increasing adaptability to diverse dietary preferences, mirroring the diverse and health-conscious offerings you might be used to in California.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Utah Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial aspect when considering a move, and understanding how California and Utah compare in this area can help make informed decisions. This comparison focuses on several key aspects such as cost, architecture, and the lifestyle each state offers.
| Comparison | California | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish, Modern | Craftsman, Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to the beach, eco-friendly features | Mountain views, spacious yards |
When moving from California to Utah, you'll notice significant differences in the housing landscape. Utah offers a more affordable living with a median home price and rent considerably lower than California's. The architecture in Utah, primarily featuring Craftsman and Ranch styles, contrasts with California's Spanish and modern homes. Despite having slightly lower walkability and bikeability scores, Utah boasts stunning natural scenery, with many homes offering mountain views. If you're transitioning from an urban Californian lifestyle to Utah, you might find the urban lifestyle score lower. However, this is compensated by spacious yards and a closer connection to nature, making Utah an appealing option for many.
California vs. Utah Weather Considerations
When planning a move from California to Utah, understanding the weather differences is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison charts the weather variables between California and Utah to prepare you for what lies ahead. From the golden beaches to the snowy mountains, know what to anticipate in your new home.
California
Utah
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Utah
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Utah
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Utah
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Varies widely; generally moderate | Good to moderate; some areas with poor winter air quality |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Snowstorms, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving to Utah from California means preparing for colder winters and more snowfall, especially significant if you're not used to snowy conditions. Utah's summers are slightly hotter but with less humidity, making the heat more bearable. You'll experience fewer days of sunshine in Utah, which might take some adjustment if you're used to California's sunny sky. Also, be aware of the increased annual UV index in Utah; the sun might not shine as often, but when it does, it's stronger. Such changes affect not only your daily comfort but also your health and leisure activities, illustrating the importance of understanding these differences before your move.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Utah
When planning a move from one state to another, understanding financial differences is vital. This comparison highlights the economic factors one must consider when transitioning from California to Utah. It explores key financial aspects to help anticipate changes in cost of living, taxes, and income prospects.
| Comparison | California | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $89,168 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 95.75 |
| State Income Tax | 1 - 13.3 | 4.95 flat |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 0.58 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.82 | 6.94 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment | Technology, Mining, Tourism |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
Moving from California to Utah, you'll find a significant difference in the cost of living, with Utah being notably more affordable. The average household income in Utah is slightly lower, but when adjusted for the cost of living, your dollar stretches further. The state income tax in Utah is a flat rate, which could be favorable or less so depending on your earnings bracket in California. Property and sales taxes are also lower in Utah, further contributing to the lower cost of living. While California boasts a high affluence level with thriving technology and entertainment industries, Utah offers a balanced economy with burgeoning technology and tourism sectors, making it an attractive option for many.
California vs. Utah Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand the political and religious landscape you're moving into, comparing California & Utah . Whether you're curious about the local politics, overall political leanings, or predominant religious beliefs, this guide offers insight into what to expect in your new home state.
| California | Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Conservative/Republican |
| Local Politics | Diverse, with a strong focus on environmental and social issues | More homogenous, with emphasis on economic growth and family values |
| Religion | Multicultural and diverse religious landscape | Predominantly Latter-day Saints (Mormon) |
When you move from California to Utah, you'll be transitioning from a state known for its liberal leanings to one with a conservative backbone. This shift is most evident in the political makeup and local politics, where Utah's policies often prioritize economic growth and espouse traditional family values, distinct from California's emphasis on environmental sustainability and progressive social policies. Moreover, religion plays a central role in Utah's cultural identity, predominantly represented by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, influencing many aspects of daily life and local governance in contrast to California's religiously diverse and multicultural ethos. Understanding these differences can help you adapt more easily to your new surroundings.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Utah
Moving between states can dramatically change your or your child's education trajectory. To aid in making an informed decision, we compare school options between California and Utah. This chart's purpose is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Utah.
| California | Utah |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of California Stanford University California State UniversityUniversity of Utah Brigham Young University Utah State University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Orion Alternative (Redwood City) Oxford Elementary (Berkeley) Westwood Charter (Los Angeles)Athenian Academy (Draper) Oakridge Elementary (Salt Lake City) Hawthorne Academy (Saratoga Springs) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Mill Valley Middle (Mill Valley) Pacific Collegiate (Santa Cruz) The Nueva School (Hillsborough)Centennial Middle (Provo) Willowcreek Middle (Lehi) South Jordan Middle (South Jordan) | |
Top 3 High Schools Henry M. Gunn (Palo Alto) Whitney High (Cerritos) Lowell High (San Francisco)Academy for Math Engineering & Science (Salt Lake City) Northern Utah Academy for Math Engineering & Science (Layton) Timpview High (Provo) | |
Top 3 private high schools The Webb Schools (Claremont) Harvard-Westlake (Studio City) The Thacher School (Ojai)Rowland Hall (Salt Lake City) The Waterford School (Sandy) Wasatch Academy (Mount Pleasant) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Crossroads School (Santa Monica) The Athenian School (Danville) The Archer School for Girls (Los Angeles)The Madeleine Choir School (Salt Lake City) Layton Christian Academy (Layton) Rowland Hall (Salt Lake City) | |
Top 3 School Districts San Francisco Unified Los Angeles Unified Palo Alto UnifiedPark City School District Davis School District Canyons School District | |
When examining the education landscape between California and Utah, significant differences emerge, particularly in terms of opportunities and environments in both public and private education sectors. For instance, California's top universities such as Stanford and University of California draw students from all over the world, indicating a higher competition level for local students. Meanwhile, Utah's Brigham Young University and University of Utah offer robust programs especially appealing to local residents. Private education also highlights key distinctions; California's prestigious institutions like The Webb Schools and Harvard-Westlake have long histories of academic excellence, whereas Utah's Rowland Hall and The Waterford School emphasize a holistic education in smaller, community-focused environments. These distinctions underscore the importance of considering individual educational needs and values when moving between these states.
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