Best California to Utah Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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CA to UT Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new opportunities and adventures. Leaving behind California's golden sunsets and laid-back lifestyle for Utah's majestic mountains and close-knit communities means embracing change and the possibilities that come with it. To ensure this important transition is as smooth as possible, it's essential to choose trusted and reliable professional movers, like our carefully vetted teams at Great Guys Moving, to handle your long-distance move with the expertise it deserves.

California iconArrow iconUtah icon

Best California to Utah Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.63NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Best California Movers9.52A+Authorized For HHGContact
801 Moving Company9.40NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Best of Utah Moving Company9.33A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Utah to California guide.

6 Best CA to UT Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,645+ data points

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 back to the community....Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Best California Movers Logo
Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

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. Th...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
801 Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.40/10
based on 412+ data points

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 moving company offers a rang...Read More >>

Services

  • Packing services
  • Long-distance moves
  • Local moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4140953 / 1587673

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
5
Best of Utah Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,595+ data points

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 and has been operating ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Office moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2920944 / 1476153

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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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.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Higher taxes
  • Dense population
Utah iconUtah
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • Lower taxes
  • More open space
Utah iconUtah
  • Less diversity
  • Smaller cities
  • No beaches
  • Cold winters
California iconCalifornia
  • 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.

CaliforniaUtah
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadFuneral Potatoes
Most popular meat dishTripas TacosUtah Scones with Honey Butter
Most popular street food itemFish TacosFry Sauce with Fries
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastVegan Jambalaya
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • The French Laundry
  • Red Iguana
  • Crown Burgers
  • Log Haven
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.

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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.

ComparisonCaliforniaUtah
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish, ModernCraftsman, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to the beach, eco-friendly featuresMountain 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.

Summer icon
85°F / 58°F

California

90°F / 62°F

Utah

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 44°F

California

37°F / 20°F

Utah

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22 inches

California

20 inches

Utah

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
6 inches (varies greatly by region)

California

54 inches

Utah

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaUtah
Air QualityVaries widely; generally moderateGood to moderate; some areas with poor winter air quality
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresSnowstorms, 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.

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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.

ComparisonCaliforniaUtah
Avg. Household Income$91,551$89,168
Cost of Living Index136.495.75
State Income Tax1 - 13.34.95 flat
Avg. Property Tax0.730.58
Avg. Sales Tax8.826.94
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, EntertainmentTechnology, Mining, Tourism
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessHighModerate

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.

CaliforniaUtah
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsDiverse, with a strong focus on environmental and social issuesMore homogenous, with emphasis on economic growth and family values
ReligionMulticultural and diverse religious landscapePredominantly 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.

CaliforniaUtah

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of California
Stanford University
California State University
University 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 Unified
Park 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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