Best San Francisco to Salt Lake City Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Francisco to Salt Lake City Movers

Moving from the tech-savvy hills of San Francisco to the towering mountains of Salt Lake City marks an exciting chapter in your life. You're swapping the City by the Bay, known for its iconic Golden Gate and bustling tech scene, for the Crossroads of the West, with its unparalleled outdoor lifestyle and strong community vibe. Given the distance and logistic complexities of such a move, entrusting this transition to trusted and reliable professional movers is not just important—it's essential. That's where we come into play, offering you the best movers to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free.

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Best San Francisco to Salt Lake City Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
801 Moving Company9.40NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Best of Utah Moving Company9.33A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.32DAuthorized For HHGContact
Careful Movers9.31A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salt Lake City to San Francisco guide.

5 Best San Francisco to Salt Lake City 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
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
2
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
3
B
Exceptional9.32/10
based on 634+ data points

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in mo...Read More >>

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Careful Movers Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, a...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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.

San Francisco vs. Salt Lake City Neighborhood Comparison

When moving to a new city, it's helpful to find a neighborhood that feels like home. This guide is designed to compare San Francisco, CA & Salt Lake City, UT local neighborhoods to help you find a familiar community vibe in an unfamiliar city. By identifying comparable areas, we aim to ease your transition and help you settle in smoothly.

San FranciscoSalt Lake CityHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictThe AvenuesScenic views, historic homes
Mission DistrictSugar HouseArtsy, vibrant nightlife
Nob HillCapitol HillQuiet, affluent, historic area
SoMa (South of Market)Downtown SLCUrban, trendy, tech hub
Haight-Ashbury9th & 9thBohemian, eclectic shops
Pacific HeightsHarvard/YaleElegant, stately homes
North BeachUniversity DistrictLively, cultural hotspot
Financial DistrictDowntown SLCBusiness core, skyscrapers
Russian HillFederal HeightsExclusive, panoramic views
Sunset DistrictSugar HouseFamily-friendly, quiet suburb

Familiarizing yourself with Salt Lake City's neighborhoods can be exciting, especially when you find areas that resonate with the vibrant culture of San Francisco. For instance, if you relish the historic charm and scenic vistas of Nob Hill, Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City offers a similar blend of quiet elegance with its affluent properties and breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains. For those drawn to the artsy, eclectic atmosphere of the Mission District, Sugar House will charm you with its vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and local art scene, including spots like The Village for unique shopping experiences. And for tech enthusiasts accustomed to SoMa's dynamic tech hub, Downtown Salt Lake City provides an urban, trendy vibe with tech startups and innovative companies, complemented by essential amenities like The Gateway for shopping and dining. Moving doesn't mean leaving behind what you love—it's about finding new places to love just as much.

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Things to Do in Salt Lake City

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Salt Lake City

Moving from one city to another can be a monumental change, presenting a mix of challenges and opportunities. This guide offers an honest reflection of leaving behind San Francisco, CA for a new start in Salt Lake City, UT, showing the intricate balance of pros and cons in both cities . Understanding these aspects can help you make an informed decision on this life-changing move.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Dense population
  • Foggy weather
Salt Lake City, UT iconSalt Lake City, UT
  • More affordable
  • Lighter traffic
  • More space
  • Four seasons
Salt Lake City, UT iconSalt Lake City, UT
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Less diversity
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Landlocked
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Vibrant city life
  • Cultural diversity
  • Tech hub
  • Coastal access

When moving from the bustling streets of San Francisco to the more laid-back atmosphere of Salt Lake City, you'll notice significant differences. San Francisco's high living costs and dense population contrast with Salt Lake City's more affordable living expenses and spacious neighborhoods. While you may miss San Francisco's vibrant city life and coastal access, Salt Lake City offers its unique charm with stunning outdoor activities centered around the Great Salt Lake and the nearby Wasatch Mountains. The culinary scene in Salt Lake is flourishing, with standout spots like Red Iguana offering famed Mexican dishes, while the Copper Onion caters to those seeking Modern American. Despite a smaller tech scene, Salt Lake City is cultivating a growing startup ecosystem, indicating a promising horizon for tech professionals. Each city boasts unique opportunities and challenges, making the transition an adventure of its own.

San Francisco vs. Salt Lake City Food Guide

Understanding the essence of local cuisine is a vital part of immersing yourself into the lifestyle of a new city. Food significantly shapes the local culture and living experience, thus, this is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Salt Lake City aims to equip you with insights about the diverse food scenes as you transition from the coastal charm of San Francisco to the mountain-surrounded Salt Lake City.

San FranciscoSalt Lake City
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadFry Sauce
Most popular meat dishCioppinoUtah Scones with Honey Butter
Most popular street food itemMission BurritoNavajo Taco
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Swan Oyster Depot
  • The Slanted Door
  • Red Iguana
  • The Copper Onion
  • Pretty Bird
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

While San Francisco is renowned for its sourdough bread and the unique seafood stew, Cioppino, Salt Lake City brings its unique flavors with the beloved Fry Sauce and Utah Scones. The Mission Burrito, a staple street food in San Francisco, contrasts with Salt Lake City's Navajo Tacos, showcasing the rich Native American influences. The health and foodie scenes vary significantly between the two, with San Francisco taking a slight edge, particularly in its offerings of vegan and health-conscious choices. Iconic San Francisco restaurants like Tartine Bakery and Swan Oyster Depot highlight the city's culinary diversity, whereas Salt Lake City's dining scene, with places like Red Iguana and The Copper Onion, offers a cozy perspective into local flavors and ingredients.

San Francisco vs. Salt Lake City Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a critical role in making a new city feel like home. This guide compares the top restaurants from San Francisco to their Salt Lake City equivalents , helping you find new favorite spots that remind you of home.

San FranciscoSalt Lake CityWhat You'll Love
NopaTable XContemporary dining focused on seasonal ingredients.
Zuni CaféCurrent Fish & OysterSimilar emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Tartine BakeryGourmandiseEuropean-style bakery with a focus on quality and tradition.
La TaqueriaRed IguanaLegendary for its authentic Mexican dishes and variety.
The Slanted DoorLemon GrassModern approach to classic Vietnamese cuisine.
Flour + WaterSettebello Pizzeria NapoletanaRenowned for authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
Swan Oyster DepotMarket Street GrillSeafood served fresh and with a local twist.
Bi-Rite CreameryCapo GelatoArtisanal approach to frozen treats, with creative flavors.
Mission Chinese FoodMom’s KitchenOffers an innovative take on traditional Chinese cuisine.
State Bird ProvisionsPagoFarm-to-table dining with a constantly evolving menu.

For those who adore the bustling atmosphere and innovative dining of State Bird Provisions in San Francisco, Pago in Salt Lake City offers a similarly intimate experience with its farm-to-table approach and constantly changing menu that surprises and delights. Similarly, fans of Swan Oyster Depot will find Market Street Grill to be a haven in Salt Lake City, where the seafood is just as fresh and the ambience echoes the laid-back, authentic feel of its San Francisco counterpart. Gourmandise, capturing the essence of Tartine Bakery, serves up pastries that would make any San Franciscan feel right at home—with each bite, you're transported back to your favorite San Francisco spots, bridging the gap between old and new homes through the universal language of exquisite food.

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San Francisco vs. Salt Lake City Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate profoundly impacts your move, making it essential to compare San Francisco, CA to Salt Lake City, UT . Understanding the differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and the overall lifestyle will guide your decision-making process.

ComparisonSan FranciscoSalt Lake City
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, ModernPrairie, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, Luxury AmenitiesMountain Views, Spacious Lots

When comparing San Francisco to Salt Lake City, the cost of living stands out immediately, with San Francisco's median home price and rent notably higher. However, these costs reflect the city's prestigious Victorian and modern architecture. Walkability and bikeability are relatively high in both cities, but San Francisco edges out slightly, primarily due to its compact, urban layout. The mention of luxury amenities and views in San Francisco listings contrasts with Salt Lake City's emphasis on mountain views and spacious lots, highlighting the different lifestyles each city offers. Whether you're seeking the vibrant, urban setting of San Francisco or the sprawling, scenic landscapes of Salt Lake City, both cities cater to diverse preferences in real estate.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, UT

1. The Avenues: Known for its quiet streets and proximity to off-leash dog parks like Lindsay Gardens, The Avenues is a top choice for pet owners seeking both community and outdoor space.

2. Sugar House: This neighborhood caters to pet owners with numerous pet-friendly apartments, the expansive Sugar House Park for walks, and various pet-centric businesses, such as grooming and pet supply stores.

3. Liberty Wells: Offering a mix of residential charm and accessibility to several dog parks, including Herman Franks Park, Liberty Wells is ideal for those seeking a pet-friendly community vibe in Salt Lake City.

San Francisco vs. Salt Lake City Weather Considerations

Relocating from one city to another means adjusting to new weather patterns. This chart provides a concise comparison between San Francisco and Salt Lake City's weather, highlighting key differences to help you understand what to expect. Knowing these variations is crucial for a smooth transition.

Summer icon
70°F/55°F

San Francisco, CA

90°F/70°F

Salt Lake City, UT

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F/46°F

San Francisco, CA

37°F/22°F

Salt Lake City, UT

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.65

San Francisco, CA

16.1

Salt Lake City, UT

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

56.2

Salt Lake City, UT

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoSalt Lake City
Air QualityGenerally GoodModerate, varies seasonally
Natural DisastersEarthquakesSevere Snowstorms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While San Francisco enjoys a mild climate with moderate temperatures year-round, moving to Salt Lake City introduces you to a more extreme temperature range, with hot summers and cold winters. Salt Lake City experiences significantly more snow, which is a major shift from San Francisco's seldom rainy days. Humidity in Salt Lake City is also lower, which might be a relief during the summer heat but can feel colder in winter. Air quality and seasonal allergies differ between the two, influenced by the urban coastal environment of San Francisco and Salt Lake City's valley location. Preparing for these changes will help you adapt more comfortably to your new home.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Francisco to Salt Lake City

Moving from one city to another is a significant life event, and understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in money and finance between San Francisco and Salt Lake City to help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonSan FranciscoSalt Lake City
Avg. Household Income$121,826$66,658
Cost of Living Index164100.6
State Income Tax13.34.95
Avg. Property Tax0.60.66
Avg. Sales Tax8.57.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismTechnology, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessHighLow

When moving from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, you'll encounter a significant reduction in the cost of living. For example, the average household income in San Francisco is significantly higher, reflecting the area's high cost of living and affluence. However, Salt Lake City offers a more affordable lifestyle, with a lower cost of living index and state income tax, providing potentially greater financial flexibility. Additionally, while both cities have robust technology sectors, Salt Lake City also prizes education and healthcare as key industries, pointing towards diverse job opportunities in these areas. This difference in economic landscapes could influence not only your financial well-being but also your career trajectory and quality of life.

San Francisco vs. Salt Lake City Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Salt Lake City offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents you’ll find in each city, helping you understand the community landscape you’re moving into.

San FranciscoSalt Lake City
Political Make-upStrongly DemocraticLean Conservative, but increasingly moderate
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesMix of conservative roots with progressive growth
ReligionMore secular, diverse religious communitiesDominantly LDS (Mormon), but growing diversity

San Francisco is widely recognized for its progressive stance on various political matters, fostering a community where liberal policies are predominant. On the other hand, Salt Lake City, although traditionally conservative due to its LDS (Mormon) majority, is experiencing a shift towards more moderate viewpoints, reflecting its growing diversity. The religious landscape in San Francisco is quite secular, with a mosaic of different faiths, whereas in Salt Lake City, the LDS Church exerts significant influence, albeit alongside an increasing number of other religious and secular groups. This evolving dynamic in Salt Lake City mirrors its growing cultural and political diversity, indicating a city in transition.

San Francisco vs. Salt Lake City Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Salt Lake City, UT requires understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic conditions between the two cities. This comparison of traffic and transportation options will help you better prepare for your relocation.

ComparisonSan FranciscoSalt Lake City
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3425
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesIt's challenging

San Francisco boasts an extensive public transit system, making it feasible to navigate the city without a personal vehicle. With a high availability rating, you can rely on services like SFMTA for buses and the iconic cable cars. In contrast, while Salt Lake City has made strides in improving its public transit with the UTA, including buses and the TRAX light rail system, it's more challenging to rely solely on public transportation due to less coverage and frequency, particularly in suburban areas. Consequently, having a car in Salt Lake City might be more of a necessity for covering larger distances or for convenience. Traffic congestion in San Francisco is notably higher, reflecting its denser urban environment, whereas Salt Lake City offers a somewhat smoother driving experience with less congestion.

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