($1,193) Moving From Utah to California

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Utah to California ranges from $611 to $6,071 and takes two-seven days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
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  • Family owned & operated
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a full-service Utah moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Utah to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Utah guide.

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The best Utah to California movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Utah to California is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Utah to California:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Utah movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Moving Connections Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
412 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111
(801) 532-6683
Wasatch Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
1325 S 500 E Ste 323, American Fork, UT, 84003
(801) 396-9270

Visit our Best Movers in Utah page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from Utah to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Utah to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,193 - $4,233 $821 - $2,012 $600 - $1,120
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,416 - $6,071 $1,491 - $2,909 $611 - $1,267
4+ bedrooms $3,907 - $8,115 $1,850 - $3,615 $804 - $1,647

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 813 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from UT to CA

There are many factors that influence Utah moving costs. The cost to move from Utah to California will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Utah is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Utah to California?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Utah to California will cost between $1,193 and $4,233. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from UT to CA will range from $2,416 to $6,071, and a large move from Utah to California will cost from $3,907 to $8,115.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Utah to California?

Moving containers from Utah to California will cost you $821 to $2,012 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,491 to $2,909. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,850 to $3,615. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Utah.

How much is a moving truck from Utah to California?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $600 to $1,120. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $611 to $1,267, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Utah to California costs from $804 to $1,647.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Utah to California a good idea?

If you’re moving to California from Utah, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Utah vs. California

Utah California
Average rent cost $1,090 $1,586
Average home cost $502,647 $746,055
Average income (per capita) $86,833 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 0 100
Unemployment rate 2.7% 4.8%
Average Sales Tax 7.19% 8.68%
State Income Tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 46% more expensive in California than in Utah.
  • Home prices are about 48% higher in California than in Utah.
  • The average income is about 6% higher in California than in Utah.
  • Cost of living is inf% lower in California than in Utah.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Utah by about 78%.
  • Sales taxes are 21% higher in California than in Utah.
  • Income taxes are 169% higher in California than in Utah.

How does life in California differ from Utah?

California Utah
Population 39,029,342 3,380,800
Political leaning Democratic 63-34 Republican 58-38
Summer high 87ºF 90ºF
Winter low 59ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 22" 15"
Annual snow 7" 43"
Crime index 27.88 24.96
  • The population of California is approximately 1,054% greater than the population of Utah.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Utah voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Utah, it’s 90ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Utah gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about twenty-two inches of annual rainfall in California versus fifteen inches of rainfall in Utah.
  • In California, it snows about seven inches annually versus forty-three inches of snow in Utah.
  • California has a higher crime rate than Utah with a crime index of 27.88 vs 24.96.

Comparing the pros of Utah vs. California

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Utah versus California side by side.

Pros of living in Utah Pros of living in California
Robust economic growth Ample economic opportunity
Abundant outdoor activities Pleasant weather
Growing population Abundant recreational options
Outdoor paradise High quality of life
Diverse Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Utah vs. California

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Utah for California.

Cons of living in Utah Cons of living in California
Extreme weather High cost of living
High cost of housing Heavy tax burdens
Peculiar liquor laws Natural disasters
Dangerous drivers Terrible traffic
Huge emphasis on religious identity Strange laws

What to know before your move to California

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State Licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in California

While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Disneyland Park
  • Big Sur Coastline
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Death Valley National Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Santa Catalina Island
  • Redwood National and State Parks
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Hearst Castle
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • Lombard Street
  • Venice Beach
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Solvang
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Burney Falls
  • Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Bodie State Historic Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Utah to California?

The cheapest way to move from Utah to California is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Utah to California?

The main reasons people are moving from Utah to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Utah or California?

It is generally cheaper to live in Utah than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Utah, with average rent about 31% less and home prices 33% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Utah, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Adelanto and Agoura Hills will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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