Moving to Utah? 2023 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Utah, a landlocked state situated in the west of the United States, is known most widely for its natural landscapes, being home to many national parks. Known as “The Mighty Five”, the most well-known parks in Utah are Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion.

If you are considering moving to Utah, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Utah Facts:

Population: 3.338 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $68,000+ (2021)
Random Fact: Utah is home to the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake, and is commonly referred to as ‘America’s Dead Sea’.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of mid 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68
Moving and Shipping Costs to Utah

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Utah

State	Estimated Moving Cost to Utah
California	USD 2,000 – 4,000
Texas	USD 2,500 – 4,500
Florida	USD 3,000 – 5,000
New York	USD 3,500 – 5,500
Pennsylvania	USD 3,000 – 5,000
Illinois	USD 2,500 – 4,500
Ohio	USD 2,500 – 4,500
Georgia	USD 3,000 – 5,000
North Carolina	USD 3,000 – 5,000
Michigan	USD 2,500 – 4,500

These estimates are approximate and can vary based on specific requirements and services needed. For precise quotes, it’s best to contact moving companies directly.

2. Utah Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices in Utah can vary depending on the location.

Monthly Rental Prices in Utah

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,600+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,200+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,700+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,300+

Utah Home Purchase Prices

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $3,600+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $2,500+

Utah Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in Utah compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 37.4% more expensive
New York is 56.8% more expensive
Los Angeles is 38.2% more expensive
Toronto is 11.8% more expensive
Sydney is 26.3% more expensive
Paris is 4.7% cheaper
Dubai is 12% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom.
Different Areas – Different Prices: In downtown areas of cities like Salt Lake City and Park City, rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment can range from approximately $1,200 to $2,500 per month. In suburban areas or smaller towns like Provo and St. George, house purchase prices can range from around $250,000 to $500,000 or higher, depending on size and location.

3. Utah Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Utah’s food and drink scene has seen a growing emphasis on farm-to-table and locally sourced ingredients, as well as a rise in craft breweries and distilleries. The state is known for its famous fry sauce, a popular condiment made with a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise. Other notable foods include Mormon funeral potatoes, Navajo tacos, and Utah’s unique take on Jell-O salads.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $18.50
Takeout Coffee: $4.80
Bottle of Coke: $2.30
1L of Milk: $0.95
Loaf of Bread: $3.50
12 Eggs: $3.50
1kg Chicken: $9.00
1kg Beef: $15.20
1kg Apples: $3.50
1kg White Rice: $3.40

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 24% more expensive and groceries are 3.8% cheaper than Utah.
New York restaurants are 25.5% more expensive and groceries are 38% more expensive than Utah.
Los Angeles restaurants are 24.1% more expensive and groceries are 21.5% more expensive than Utah.
Toronto restaurants are 0.7% more expensive and groceries are 10.6% more expensive than Utah.
Sydney restaurants are 5.5% more expensive and groceries are 19% more expensive than Utah.
Paris restaurants are 1% cheaper and groceries are 18.6% more expensive than Utah.
Dubai restaurants are 5.8% cheaper and groceries are 27% cheaper than Utah.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know Your Supermarkets: Utah hosts a variety of farmers’ markets throughout the state, showcasing locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal products. Major cities like Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo have thriving farmers’ markets that operate during the warmer months. The state also offers a range of supermarket options, including affordable chain stores like Smith’s and Walmart, as well as upscale markets like Harmons and Whole Foods.
Find Cheap Eats: Utah has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Utah Alcohol Costs

Utah, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.75
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $7.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.50
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.50
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $17.50

How To Drink For Less in Utah

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.

5. Utah Transportation Fares

Public transportation in Utah is primarily centred around the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates buses, light rail, and commuter trains, providing public transportation options for residents and visitors. However, in more rural areas of the state, public transportation may be limited, and private vehicles are often the preferred mode of transportation.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $2.50
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $85.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. Utah likes to think of itself as a bike-friendly city and has introduced many miles of bike lanes over the last few years.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Utah

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from mid-2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Utah varies by region and elevation. In general, the state experiences hot summers and cold winters. The coldest month is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from -4°C to 4°C (25°F to 39°F), while the hottest month is July, with average temperatures ranging from 27°C to 38°C (81°F to 100°F). The wettest month varies across the state, but generally, September and October see increased precipitation.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $61.00
Summer Dress: $40.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $80.00
Business Shoes: $125.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $75.00
Deodorant: $2.50
Shampoo: $3.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
Gym Membership: $30.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Utah

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Utah. If you’re moving to Utah from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Utah:

Volkswagen Golf: $23,100+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $1.05

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Utah

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Utah

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The sales tax in Utah is generally around 4.85%, but it’s important to note that local taxes may be added, which can vary by city and county. The total sales tax rate, including state and local taxes, can range from 5.95% to 9.05%, depending on the specific location.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Utah at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Utah you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Utah

If you do make the move to Utah, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $290
New York: $75
Los Angeles: $50
Toronto: $150
Vancouver: $150
Dubai: $770
Sydney: $680
Melbourne: $580
Cape Town: $800
Hong Kong: $850

Other Tips on Moving to Utah

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Utah but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Utah Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Utah.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Utah always has something going on. Have a look at Utah.com.

12. Moving to Utah with a Family

Utah is often considered a family-friendly location, offering a range of activities and amenities for all ages. The state has excellent schools, a low crime rate compared to the national average, and a strong sense of community. However, it’s advisable to research specific areas within the state to find the most suitable family-friendly locations.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at the University of Utah.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Salt Lake City and its surrounding suburbs are often considered some of the most family-friendly areas to live in Utah. Other family-oriented towns include Provo, Sandy, and St. George, which offer quality schools, safe neighbourhoods, and a variety of recreational opportunities.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Utah. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Family Destinations Guide.

13. Moving to Utah for Work

While it is possible to move to Utah without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. The main industries in Utah include manufacturing, information technology, aerospace and defence, tourism, and outdoor recreation. The state has a relatively low unemployment rate, averaging around 2-3%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Utah, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Utah from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Utah, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: The state of Victoria is similar in size to Utah.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Utah that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Utah from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Utah. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Newfoundland and Labrador is similar in size to Utah.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Utah from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Utah. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: There is no comparison within the UK, even when all counties are combined.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Utah, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Utah you can start by comparing moving quotes here.