How we chose the best moving companies for your UT to CA move
After studying pricing from 33 Utah movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Utah to California?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Utah to California.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,179 – $3,898 |
$758 – $1,819 |
$543 – $972 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,180 – $5,372 |
$1,336 – $2,709 |
$574 – $1,155 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,059 – $8,092 |
$1,721 – $3,536 |
$756 – $1,518 |
*Estimated costs for a 812-mile move from UT to
CA are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
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
$1,179 and
$3,898.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from UT to CA will
range from $2,180 to
$5,372, and a large move from Utah
to California will cost from $4,059
to $8,092.
Cost of moving containers from Utah to California
If you’re moving from Utah to California,
expect to pay between $758
and $1,819 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,336 up to
$2,709.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,721 and
$3,536. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Utah.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Utah to California
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$543 and
$972.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $574
and $1,155. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $756 up to
$1,518 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from UT to CA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Utah to California. Here’s what might influence your total price:
-
Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Utah is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from UT to CA
A relocation from Utah to California comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Utah vs. California
Comparing expenses in Utah and California shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Utah |
California |
| Average rent |
$1,302 |
$1,856 |
| Average home cost |
$517,020 |
$771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$86,833 |
$91,905 |
| Cost of living index |
105 |
134 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.5% |
5.4% |
| Average sales tax |
7.19% |
8.68% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
13.3% |
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Rent in California is approximately 43% higher than in Utah, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 49% higher in California than in Utah.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 6% higher in California compared to Utah. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Moving to California means you’ll be paying 28% more than you did in Utah. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
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Unemployment in California is about 54% higher than in Utah. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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Sales taxes are 21% higher in California than in Utah, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 169% higher in California than in Utah. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in California vs. Utah
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in California stacks up against Utah across important lifestyle factors:
|
California |
Utah |
| Population |
39,029,342 |
3,417,734 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 59-41 |
Republican 60-40 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
90ºF |
| Winter low |
59ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
22″ |
15″ |
| Annual snow |
7″ |
43″ |
| Crime index |
28.43 |
21.37 |
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California is about 1042% more populous than Utah.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
-
In the most recent presidential election, California leaned Democratic, while Utah went with Republican.
-
In California, summer highs hover around 87°F, while Utah sits at 90°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, California bottoms out around 59°F, compared to 17°F in Utah.
A move to California with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
Expect about 22 inches of rain each year in California, a noticeable difference from the 15 inches you’re used to in Utah.
With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
-
In California, you can expect about 7 inches of snow each year, much less than the 43 inches you’d deal with in Utah.
So, if you’re moving to California, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
-
California has a higher crime rate than Utah with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 21.37.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Utah vs. California
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in California versus Utah:
| 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
Moving from Utah to California comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| 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 |
Other things to consider for your Utah to California move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules 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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a California moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in California, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to California without a hitch. Get started here.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in California
Get ready to discover all that California has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood 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)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Utah to California?
Do movers transport your car from Utah to California?
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?
Living in Utah usually costs less than in California.
Housing
is much more affordable in Utah,
with average rent about 30% 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 $73,978 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California.
The cost of living in California is about $5,276 per month for an individual and $10,220 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Camp Pendleton North and Los Angeles tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Utah?
Some movers in Utah provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Utah to California, expect to spend between
$2,180–$5,372 if using professional movers, about
$2,022 for a moving container, and around
$864
for a rental truck.
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