$1,114 Movers From Salt Lake City, UT to California

Quick answer: The cost to move from Salt Lake City, UT, to California averages from $600 to $6,021, and can take anywhere from two-seven days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.

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Moving 813 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional Salt Lake City moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Salt Lake City, UT guide.

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The best Salt Lake City to California moving companies

Hiring the right interstate moving company from Salt Lake City to California is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in Salt Lake City and 267 throughout the Golden State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Salt Lake City to California.

Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.

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

How much does it cost to move from Salt Lake City, UT, to California?

Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from Salt Lake City to California:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,114 - $3,953 $731 - $1,809 $578 - $1,069
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,257 - $6,021 $1,437 - $2,776 $600 - $1,184
4+ bedrooms $3,843 - $8,134 $1,763 - $3,342 $775 - $1,586

*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 the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Salt Lake City, UT, to California will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Salt Lake City, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Salt Lake City, UT, to California?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Salt Lake City to California will cost between $1,114 to $3,953. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Salt Lake City to CA will range from $2,257 to $6,021. A large move from Salt Lake City to California will cost anywhere from $3,843 to $8,134.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Salt Lake City, UT, to California?

Moving pods from Salt Lake City to California will cost you $731 to $1,809. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,437 to $2,776. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,763 to $3,342. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Salt Lake City to California.

How much is a moving truck from Salt Lake City, UT, 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 $578 to $1,069. A larger move will cost $600 to $1,184, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Salt Lake City to California costs from $775 to $1,586.

Is moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to California a good idea?

If you’re moving to California from Salt Lake City, UT, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Salt Lake City, UT, vs California

Salt Lake City, UT California
Average rent cost $1,485 $1,856
Average home cost $534,694 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $61,711 $91,905
Unemployment rate 3.0% 5.4%
State income tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 29% more expensive in California than in Salt Lake City.
  • Home prices are about 45.7% higher in California than in Salt Lake City.
  • The average income is about 34.8% higher in California than in Salt Lake City.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Salt Lake City by about 68.6%.
  • Income taxes are 168.69% higher in California than in Salt Lake City.

How is life different in Salt Lake City, UT, from California?

Salt Lake City, UT California
Population 200,133 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 53-42 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 91ºF 87ºF
Winter low 23ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 20" 22"
Annual snow 54" 7"
Crime index 80.22 28.43
  • The population of California is approximately 19,402% greater than the population of Salt Lake City.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Salt Lake City voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87º F and in Salt Lake City, it’s 91º F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59º F and Salt Lake City gets down to 23º F.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs. 20 inches of rainfall in Salt Lake City.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs. 54 inches of snow in Salt Lake City.

Considerations for moving 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: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.

Looking for local Salt Lake City movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Moving Connections Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
412 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111
(801) 532-6683
Kellogg Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
6076 South 900 East Suite 101, Murray, UT, 84121
(801) 300-1611

Visit our best movers in Salt Lake City page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in California

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.

Museums in California

  • The Getty Center
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Hess Persson Estates
  • California State Railroad Museum
  • The Getty Villa
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Norton Simon Museum
  • Mission San Luis Rey
  • Tallac Historic Site
  • Petersen Automotive Museum
  • Original McDonald's Site and Museum
  • Oakland Museum of California
  • March Field Air Museum
  • Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum

Parks in California

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Heisler Park
  • Sonoma Plaza
  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Redwood Regional Park
  • MacKerricher State Park
  • Tilden Regional Park
  • Dinosaur Caves Park
  • Greystone Mansion and Park
  • Rancho San Antonio County Park
  • Serra Cross Park
  • Coyote Hills Regional Park
  • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
  • Palisades Park
  • Irvine Regional Park

Sports Teams in California

  • Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
  • Oakland Athletics (MLB)
  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Francisco Giants (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
  • Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
  • San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
  • Golden State Warriors (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
  • Sacramento Kings (NBA)
  • LA Galaxy (MLS)
  • Los Angeles FC (MLS)
  • San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Universities in California

  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Southern California
  • University of California, San Diego
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Irvine
  • California Institute of Technology
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
  • University of California, Riverside
  • University of California, Santa Cruz
  • University of California, San Francisco
  • San Diego State University
  • California State University, Northridge

FAQs: Moving from Salt Lake City to California

What is the best way to get a car from Salt Lake City to California?

Need to get your car from Salt Lake City to California? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Salt Lake City to California car shippers.

Why are people moving from Salt Lake City to California?

Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Salt Lake City?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Salt Lake City.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about California