Moving to Utah: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking about relocating to Utah? You’re not alone. The Beehive State has a magnetic pull—whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Salt Lake City or prefer the charm of its quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot here for everyone.

There’s plenty to love about Utah, but before you dive into buying a home and relocating, make sure you weigh both the advantages and drawbacks.

We’ll break down all the key details about relocating to Utah to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

Jump to the Utah information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to UT
Top car shippers to UT
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Utah

Moving to Utah comes with lots of perks, but there are also some hurdles you’ll want to keep in mind.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Beehive State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Utah

✓Robust economic growth
✓Abundant outdoor activities
✓Growing population
✓Outdoor paradise
✓Diverse

Cons of living in Utah

✖Extreme weather
✖High cost of housing
✖Peculiar liquor laws
✖Dangerous drivers
✖Huge emphasis on religious identity

Things to do in Utah

Whether you’re moving to Utah for a fresh start, a new job, or to be near family, you’re in for a treat. From famous attractions to hidden gems, Utah is bursting with adventures and exciting opportunities waiting for you every day..

If you’re traveling with friends or flying solo and ready to make new connections, these destinations have you covered. With tons of choices, you’re sure to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.

Popular Attractions in Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park
Arches National Park
Zion National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Park City
Temple Square
Dinosaur National Monument
Capitol Reef National Park
Lake Powell

Museums in Utah

Natural History Museum of Utah
Hill Aerospace Museum
Clark Planetarium
Goulding’s Trading Post Museum.
Thanksgiving Point
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park
Park City Museum
St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
David J West Gallery
Utah State Railroad Museum

Parks in Utah

Red Hills Desert Garden
Pioneer Park
Liberty Park
Ensign Peak Park
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park
Sandstone Tours
Nine Mile Canyon
Midway City Dog Park
Memory Grove Park
Draper City Park

Fun facts about Utah

Each state has its own personality — shaped by its history, culture, and the people who call it home. Getting to know the little details and sill traditions can give you a better sense of what life there is really like.

These fun facts about Utah, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

Utah gets its name from the Native American tribe, Ute. The tribe has lived here for centuries, much before the first Europeans arrived in America. While traditionally the Ute tribe hunted, fished and gathered food, they also traded with other Native American tribes and with the Spanish.
Archaeological evidence supports the fact that the Utah region has been inhabited by Native Americans for about 12,000 years.
Utah’s nickname “Beehive State” honors its Mormons settlers. The community people wanted the state to enter the Union with the name Deseret, meaning “honeybee.” However, Congress thought that the name sounded like desert so the state was named after the native Ute people.
The state of Utah has an interesting geography. It features three distinct land forms. These include the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Ridge Region.
Newspaper rock – the symbols etched in sandstone act as a 2,000 year old newspaper of native cultures.
There are over 2,000 naturally formed arches at the Arches National Park in Utah.
Utah is home to one of the oldest living organisms in the world. Located in the Fishlake National Forest, the trembling giant is a grove of Aspen trees.
The Great Salt Lake is the largest of its kind in the Western world. Though the size of the lake keeps changing, based on the season, it is spread across about 1700 square miles.
The largest raptor to be unearthed in the world was in Utah. The 23 foot long predatory dinosaur was named Utahraptor.
Utah is home to the largest independent film festival in the country, the Sundance Film Festival. In fact, it was originally known as the Utah Film Festival.
Kraft Foods, the makers of Jell-O, revealed that the residents of Utah consume more Jell-O than any other state in the country.

Utah population and demographics

As you consider making the move to Utah, take a moment to dig deeper than just the stats—you’ll get a real feel for what life in the Beehive State is all about.

If you choose a state with a bigger population, you’ll likely find more jobs, entertainment options, and better infrastructure. In contrast, states with fewer people often mean a quieter pace of life and close-knit communities.

Average education levels can show what job opportunities are available or how easy it is to access local schools and colleges. Meanwhile, a state’s political breakdown might reveal its core values and priorities.

Knowing who calls Utah home, their lifestyles, and what matters most to them can help you figure out if it’s the kind of place where you’ll feel at ease and find your community.

Metric	Utah
Population	3,417,734
Female	49.2%
Male	50.8%
College graduation rate	36.81%
Political leaning	Republican 60-40
Crime index	21.37

Utah weather

Weather plays a big role in everyday life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Utah is right for you. Looking at the average temperatures and precipitation each season can help you figure out how much time you’ll spend outdoors, what kind of gear you’ll need, and how you’ll deal with changing conditions.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and keep you cranking the AC, while frigid winters call for a ready closet and a reliable heating system. When snow arrives, you might face anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws off your travel and daily routine.

If you love the sun, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snowy winters, knowing what Utah’s climate is like can help you figure out if it’s the right match for your lifestyle.

Metric	Utah
Summer high	90ºF
Winter low	17ºF
Annual rain	15″
Annual snow	43″

Income and cost of living in Utah

Digging into top industries, typical salaries, housing prices, and everyday expenses gives you a real sense of how practical—and affordable—life in Utah can be.

Understanding the main industries in the area gives you a clear idea of job prospects and long-term stability in your field. And since housing costs are likely to have a big impact on whether you rent or buy, they’re an essential part of your moving decision.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers do more than just sit on a page—they give you a real look at how your current lifestyle stacks up against what Utah has to offer, so you can make your move feeling confident and in the know.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Real estate and rental and leasing ($24.4 billion)
Professional and business services ($19.9 billion)
Manufacturing ($19.6 billion)
Finance and insurance ($15.5 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($13.1 billion)
Retail trade ($12.2 billion)
Construction ($11 billion)
Wholesale trade ($9.1 billion)
Information ($8.5 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($6.6 billion)

Metric	Utah
Average rent cost	$1,302
Average home cost	$517,020
Average income (per capita)	$86,833
Cost of living index*	105
Unemployment rate	3.5%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	4.95%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Utah

If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and overall atmosphere.

If having access to excellent schools matters to you—whether you’re pursuing more education, have kids getting ready to graduate, or simply want strong academic choices—Utah is a smart place to consider.

Here are some of the top schools in Utah:

The University of Utah
Brigham Young University
Utah State University
Weber State University
Utah Valley University
Southern Utah University
Dixie State University
Westminster College
Snow College Ephraim
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Utah

We’ve reviewed 2,756 moving companies, with 32 being in Utah, and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Beehive State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Utah

Before making your move to Utah, it’s smart to get an idea of what you’ll spend on movers. On average, you’re looking at around $136 per hour for professional help. Your final price will depend on how much you’re bringing with you and the distance you’re traveling—cross-country relocations are going to cost more than a shorter move within the state.

Your choice of moving style can have a major impact on your overall costs.

For a budget-friendly move, check out one of the best moving container companies. You’re in charge of packing and loading, while they take care of the driving—offering a great balance between a DIY move and hiring full-service professionals.

Looking to cut costs? Renting a moving truck is your cheapest bet. You’ll handle everything yourself—from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d prefer to skip the heavy lifting, professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. Remember, this level of convenience can be pricey, so it’s smart to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best fit for your budget and needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Utah

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Utah.

Utah car insurance requirements

In Utah, drivers must have liability insurance with minimum coverage: $25,000 for one person’s injury or death, $50,000 for injuries or deaths involving multiple people, and $20,000 for property damage. They must also have uninsured motorist coverage with the same limits.

Utah drivers license requirements

To get a driver’s license in Utah, you need to pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test. You must also show proof of your identity and residency and pay the required fees. If you are under 18, you must complete driver education and have a learner’s permit before you can get a full license.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Utah?

Moving to Utah is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Utah is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Utah?

On the cost of living index, Utah has a score of 105. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Utah?

The average income in UT is $86,833, and the an unemployment rate is 3.5. Home prices are $517,020, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,302.

What is the downside of living in Utah?

Like any place, Utah has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Beehive State include:

Extreme weather
High cost of housing
Peculiar liquor laws
Dangerous drivers
Huge emphasis on religious identity

Utah Moving Resources

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