Best Utah to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Beehive State to the Golden State is not just a change of scenery; it's an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of life. Imagine trading Utah's majestic mountains and serene deserts for California's sunny beaches and bustling cities. For such a significant transition, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. We at Great Guys Moving have meticulously ranked the best, ensuring your journey is smooth and worry-free.
Best Utah to California Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Pure Moving | 9.64 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 801 Moving Company | 9.40 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Best of Utah Moving Company | 9.34 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| You Move Me Salt Lake City | 9.26 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Affordable Moving LLC | 9.03 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Utah guide.
6 Best UT to CA Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
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
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
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
About You Move Me Salt Lake City
You Move Me Salt Lake City is a top-rated local moving company offering a wide range of services such as packing, moving, and providing movi...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long-Distance Moving Services
- Packing Services
About Affordable Moving LLC
Affordable Moving LLC is a full-service moving company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, offering a range of services for local, interstate, an...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Interstate Moving
- International Moving
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 Utah to California
Moving from Utah to California involves considering a variety of factors. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. The comparison charts below will help you weigh the cons of Utah against the pros of California and vice versa, facilitating a well-informed decision.
Utah- Harsher winters
- Less diverse landscapes
- Fewer major cities
- More conservative
- Lower average salaries
California- Milder winters
- Varied landscapes
- More major cities
- More liberal
- Higher average salaries
California- Higher cost of living
- More traffic congestion
- Larger population density
- More crowded outdoor spaces
- Higher housing prices
Utah- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic congestion
- Smaller population density
- Rich outdoor activities
- Lower housing prices
California offers diverse natural landscapes, from the serene beaches of Malibu to the captivating forests of Yosemite National Park, suitable for those seeking beauty and adventure. The state's vibrant cities, like San Francisco and Los Angeles, are renowned for their rich cultural diversity, bustling restaurant scenes, and broad employment opportunities, especially in tech and entertainment sectors. However, this comes with a higher cost of living and housing prices, representing a significant shift from Utah's more affordable and quieter lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts might find Utah's expansive, less crowded natural parks and lower living costs appealing, but California's dynamic atmosphere and mild winters are attractive for those seeking enhanced cultural experiences and economic opportunities.
Utah vs. California Food Guide
When planning a move, it’s crucial to consider not just the scenery or job opportunities but also the local flavor. Food is an integral part of local culture and everyday life. To help you transition smoothly, we have prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Utah & California, offering insights into what your new home might taste like.
| Utah | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Jell-O | Avocado toast |
| Most popular meat dish | Fry sauce with everything | Tri-tip barbecue |
| Most popular street food item | Navajo taco | Fish tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegetarian Mormon funeral potatoes | Impossible burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Moving from Utah to California, you’ll transition from a cuisine that includes comfort foods like Jell-O and Navajo tacos to a state famous for its health-conscious offerings such as avocado toast and Impossible burgers. In California, especially in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, you’ll find a vibrant foodie scene celebrated for its innovation and a diverse range of worldwide cuisines. Neighborhoods like the Mission District in San Francisco or Silver Lake in Los Angeles are particularly renowned for their street food, offering everything from gourmet food trucks to high-end vegan experiences. This shift not only reflects the diverse cultures present in California but also the state's commitment to sustainability and health consciousness. Whether you're craving a classic In-N-Out burger or a meal at Chez Panisse, a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, California’s culinary scene has something to tantalize everyone’s taste buds.
Ready to start your move?
Utah vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight how housing aspects in Utah and California align, offering a comprehensive view of what to expect in each state.
| Comparison | Utah | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Ranch | Modern, Spanish |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Mountain views, Proximity to national parks | Ocean views, Eco-friendly features |
When diving deeper into the housing comparison between Utah and California, several nuanced differences emerge. Utah’s real estate market is recognized for its affordability and homes that embrace Craftsman and Ranch styles, often highlighting the state's majestic mountain views and accessibility to outdoors and parks. Conversely, California, with its higher cost of living, showcases a preference for Modern and Spanish architectural styles alongside eco-friendly features, capitalizing on its coastal advantages and urban lifestyle. Walkability and bikeability scores are generally higher in California, reflecting its dense urban centers like San Francisco and Los Angeles, as opposed to Utah's more sprawling and car-dependent cities. These distinctions paint a vivid picture of what one might prioritize when choosing between the scenic mountains of Utah or the vibrant cities of California.
Utah vs. California Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another requires an understanding of how the weather will impact your daily life and activities. This comparison aims to highlight the weather differences between Utah and California, providing you with essential information to prepare for the change.
Utah
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Utah
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Utah
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Utah
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Utah | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable, often Moderate | Variable, areas of Poor due to wildfires |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Earthquakes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When considering weather differences between Utah and California, you'll find a significant contrast in seasonal temperatures and natural disaster risks. Utah experiences more defined seasons with colder winters and moderate summers, while California often enjoys milder winters and cooler summers, especially along the coast. California's higher annual sunshine days contribute to its reputation for good weather, but this comes with the risk of wildfires which can affect air quality and high UV index levels. Additionally, while Utah sees significant annual snowfall, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, California's snowfall is largely dependent on the region, with mountain areas receiving snow and coastal and southern areas experiencing very mild winters.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Utah to California
When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to compare financial factors to understand how your expenses might change. This comparison will highlight why understanding the cost of living, tax differences, and economic conditions between Utah and California is essential for your financial planning.
| Comparison | Utah | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $89,168 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.75 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.66 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.18 | 8.82 |
| Top 3 Industries | Information Technology, Tourism, Manufacturing | Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
Moving from Utah to California, you'll find yourself in a state with a significantly higher cost of living, particularly in housing and everyday expenses. While the average household income is marginally higher in California, the state's higher income and sales tax rates can consume a greater portion of your earnings. Additionally, California's diverse economy offers opportunities in technology and entertainment sectors that may not be as prevalent in Utah. It's also important to consider social factors such as homelessness, which is more pronounced in California, affecting both community dynamics and public policy.
Utah vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Utah to California involves more than a change of scenery—it's a transition into a different political and cultural landscape. In this guide, we offer a quick glimpse into the comparison of the politics between Utah & California , along with insights into the religious make-up of these states. Understanding these aspects can help you better integrate into your new community.
| Utah | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Liberal |
| Local Politics | Republican-dominated State Legislature | Democrat-dominated State Legislature |
| Religion | Majority LDS (Mormon) | Religiously Diverse |
Utah and California represent contrasting environments in terms of political orientation and religious composition. Utah is predominantly conservative, with a significant majority of its population identifying with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints LDS Church, influencing both its culture and politics. On the other hand, California is known for its liberal leanings and diverse population, including a wide array of religious beliefs and practices. This diversity extends to the political scene as well, with the state often being forefront in progressive legislation. Understanding these differences is crucial as you adapt to your new surroundings, helping you to connect with your community on a deeper level.
Education Guide When Moving from Utah to California
Moving across state lines brings about numerous challenges and decisions, especially when it comes to education. To aid in this transition, understanding the differences in educational opportunities between Utah and California is crucial. This comparison will help you better grasp what each state offers, helping you make informed decisions for your family's education needs.
| Utah | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Utah Brigham Young University Utah State UniversityUniversity of California Los Angeles University of Southern California Stanford University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools A.E. Wright Elementary (Salt Lake City) Hawthorne Elementary (Salt Lake City) Beacon Heights Elementary (Salt Lake City)Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes) Ocean Air Elementary (San Diego) Westwood Charter Elementary (Los Angeles) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Wasatch Junior High (Salt Lake City) Albion Middle (Sandy) Indian Hills Middle (Sandy)Miller Middle (San Jose) Pacific Collegiate School (Santa Cruz) Joaquin Miller Middle (San Jose) | |
Top 3 High Schools Skyline High (Salt Lake City) Timpview High (Provo) Lone Peak High (Highland)Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto) Torrey Pines High (San Diego) Lynbrook High (San Jose) | |
Top 3 private high schools Rowland Hall (Salt Lake City) Waterford School (Sandy) Juan Diego Catholic High School (Draper)Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) Polytechnic School (Pasadena) The Harker School (San Jose) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Rowland Hall (Salt Lake City) Waterford School (Sandy) Madeleine Choir School (Salt Lake City)The Harker School (San Jose) Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) Crossroads School (Santa Monica) | |
Top 3 School Districts Park City School District Davis School District Canyons School DistrictPalo Alto Unified School District San Marino Unified School District Arcadia Unified School District | |
The comparison between Utah and California's educational opportunities reveals distinct paths for students in both states. Utah showcases strong public and private institutions with a focus on local communities and a blend of academic and extracurricular programs. For example, Rowland Hall in Salt Lake City offers an exceptional education from K-12, reflecting Utah's commitment to excellence in education within a vibrant community setting. On the other hand, California's educational landscape is notable for its prestigious universities and highly ranked public and private schools like Harvard-Westlake School and Palo Alto Unified School District, highlighting the state's focus on innovative educational practices and diverse opportunities. Both states offer unique advantages, whether you're looking for a close-knit community school in Utah or a groundbreaking educational program in California.
Popular Utah to California Moving Routes
- Salt Lake City to Los Angeles
- Salt Lake City to San Diego
- Salt Lake City to San Jose
- Salt Lake City to San Francisco
- Salt Lake City to Fresno
- Salt Lake City to Sacramento
- Salt Lake City to Long Beach
- Salt Lake City to Oakland
- Salt Lake City to Bakersfield
- Salt Lake City to Anaheim
- Salt Lake City to Santa Ana
- Salt Lake City to Riverside
- Salt Lake City to Stockton
- Salt Lake City to Irvine
- Salt Lake City to Chula Vista
