Planning on moving to the Beehive State? You’re not alone! As the #1 ranked state in the nation, more than 56,000 people are moving to Utah. With this growth, Utah’s population has hit 3.4 million in 2024.
The Beehive State has a robust job market with a low unemployment rate of 3.5%. The average living cost in Utah is 25% lower than the national average, with a single person’s monthly expenses can go up to $3,567. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Utah
Utah is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to UT:
| # | Reasons to Move to UT | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Utah is 14% higher than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Beehive State aims to add 249,530 jobs annually across different sectors. |
| 3. | Education | Utah serves over 606,998 students across 42 school districts. |
1. Affordable Cost of Living
The cost of living in Utah is 14% higher than the national average. However, it’s an attractive option compared to popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Utah’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Salt Lake City | $534,268 | $1,637 | $84.4 | $170.52 | $573 |
| Lehi | $590,000 | $1,621 | $58.2 | $112.66 | $513 |
| Park City | $1,620,000 | $1,690 | $57.8 | $170.52 | $569 |
| Ogden | $378,000 | $1,335 | $60.4 | $157.75 | $513 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Utah’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Beehive State is projected to have 249,530 annual job openings.
- Food Services: This sector is projected to have 33,130 annual job openings in the state. Intermountain Health, Costco Wholesale, and Maverick are some of the top employers in the state.
- Office and Administrative Support: This sector is projected to have 31,270 annual job openings. Retail salespersons, customer service representatives, and business operations specialists are in-demand roles in the sector.
- Transport and Logistics: This sector is projected to have 22,410 annual job openings. Essential Hub, ShipEX, Inc, and Alpha Transport are some of the well-known employers in the state.
- Management: Roles like operations manager, financial manager, and management analyst are in high demand in the state. The sector is projected to have 15,780 annual job openings.
3. Excellent Education System
Utah ranks #2 across the country in terms of education. The state serves over 606,998 students across 42 school districts.
- Public Schools: The state has 945 public schools known for their academic excellence. Eastwood School, Granite School, and Highland School are some of the top-rated schools in the state.
- Magnet and Charter Programs: With over 137 charter schools, Utah provides specialized programs in STEM and arts, tuition-free. Utah County Academy of Science and Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy are among the best schools in the state.
- Private Schools: Utah is home to over 194 private schools, known for their small class sizes and personalized attention. The average tuition for private schools is around $10,437 annually.
- Higher Education: Utah is home to 16 public institutions governed by the Utah System of Higher Education. The state is also home to Brigham Young University, one of the largest private universities in the United States.
Cost of Moving to Utah 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to UT:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $593 to $5,179
Moving to Utah involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Utah moving company typically costs $156 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Utah.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Utah.
- When relocating to Utah, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average cost of utilities in Utah is around $345/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Utah. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in UT is $44. A standard title fee is $6.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Beehive State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Salt Lake City, Lehi, and Ogden, the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $2,000.
- However, buying can be complex as home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Utah in your budget. Popular neighborhoods like Bonneville Hills have a median home price of $860K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Vernal is $349K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Utah ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to UT, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Utah neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
