San Francisco, CA to Salt Lake City, UT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Salt Lake City typically costs $2,600–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 736 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to Salt Lake City
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Salt Lake City, UT typically costs $2,600–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 736-mile move from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,060 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,547 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,839 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Factors that affect moving costs from San Francisco to Salt Lake City
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Francisco to Salt Lake City may only cost $1,800, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,900.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Francisco.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($600–$1,600), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to Salt Lake City movers by type
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to Salt Lake City
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from San Francisco to Salt Lake City. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best CA→UT movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Salt Lake City
Many movers find Salt Lake City easier on the wallet than San Francisco - roughly 43% less for singles and 45% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,172 for one person in Salt Lake City versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it's $4,827 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Salt Lake City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,618 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $2,727 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $549,528 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $63,975 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $2,172 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $4,827 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 54% less expensive in Salt Lake City than in San Francisco, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 56% cheaper in Salt Lake City than in San Francisco.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 53% less in Salt Lake City than in San Francisco.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Salt Lake City. The cost of living for a single person there is 43% below that of San Francisco.
- A move to Salt Lake City can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 45% lower compared to San Francisco.
- Salt Lake City has a lower unemployment rate than San Francisco by about 44%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 10% cheaper in Salt Lake City compared to San Francisco. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 63% less in Utah compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in San Francisco versus Salt Lake City:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $183.16 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $67.42 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.28 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $3.36 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $82.50 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $27.89 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Salt Lake City.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Francisco than in Salt Lake City.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Salt Lake City.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Salt Lake City.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Salt Lake City.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Salt Lake City.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Salt Lake City.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Salt Lake City
| San Francisco | Salt Lake City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 200,133 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 59 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 74 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 34.64 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 65.36 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Salt Lake City's population is about 75% less than San Francisco.
- Salt Lake City's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- Salt Lake City is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 59 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Salt Lake City has a bike-friendliness score of 74 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Salt Lake City's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 34.64 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Salt Lake City neighborhoods are safer than 34.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Salt Lake City is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 65.36 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Salt Lake City is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Salt Lake City move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Utah, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Utah, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Utah, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Salt Lake City. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Utah, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. To increase protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Salt Lake City
With your sights set on The Crossroads of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Salt Lake City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Capitol Hill
- Central City
- East Bench
- Greater Avenues
- Sugar House
- Wasatch Hollow
- Yalecrest
Best neighborhoods for families
- East Bench
- Greater Avenues
- Liberty Wells
- Sugar House
- Yalecrest
Things to do in Salt Lake City
With your move to Utah complete, you can dive right into experiencing Salt Lake City. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Salt Lake City is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Natural History Museum of Utah, Clark Planetarium, Wheeler Historic Farm, and Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Big Cottonwood Canyon, Red Butte Garden, Temple Square, and Liberty Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Salt Lake Bees (Pacific Coast League)Utah Jazz (NBA)Utah Utes (Pac-12)Westminster Griffins (RMAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Salt Lake City?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Francisco to Salt Lake City. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Salt Lake City?
Want to save on your move from San Francisco to Salt Lake City? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Salt Lake City take?
The 736-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Salt Lake City, UT, takes one to six days. Some San Francisco movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Salt Lake City.
What kinds of discounts do San Francisco movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Francisco, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Francisco?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 70 movers in San Francisco provide piano moving services. 63 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.