Thinking of moving to Utah? The state has a $300 billion economy, with rapid growth in the tech, construction, international trade, and manufacturing sectors. Thanks to its robust infrastructure and education system, Utah has been ranked the #1 state to live in the country.
But the move comes with trade-offs. The median home price of $535K is significantly higher than the national average. Still, many are choosing cities like Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo for their stunning natural beauty and better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Utah ranks as the #1 state to live in the US due to its top-notch education system and booming economy.
- The state has a growing job market in the tech, construction, international trade, and manufacturing sectors.
- Utah’s education system was ranked the 4th-best in the US in 2025.
- Utah has a flat 4.55% state income tax, which is one of the lowest in the country.
- The cost of living in Utah is on par with the national average.
- Expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,400 for your move, depending on how far you’re moving and the size of your belongings.
- Utah has four distinct seasons. The summers are dry and hot, while winters are cold and snowy.
3 Reasons to Move to Utah
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Utah, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Living Costs in Utah
Despite its expensive housing, Utah has been ranked the 6th-most affordable state to live in the US, based on metrics like median household income, median property taxes, and overall cost of living. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Average Utility Costs | $372 per month |
| Average Healthcare Costs | $368 per month |
| Average Food and Grocery Costs | $123 per month |
| Average Transportation Costs | $71 per month |
2. Job Opportunities in Utah
Utah’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across industries. The Beehive State is projected to have 249,530 annual job openings.
- Technology: Often referred to as the Silicon Slopes, Utah’s tech sector generates $22.5 billion, and supports over 126,000 jobs across the state. On average, a tech employee makes $99,874 per year in Utah.
- Construction: With over 15,200 construction establishments, the construction sector in Utah contributes $24 billion and supports 143,900 jobs in the state. Roles like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians are in high demand.
- International Trade: Utah’s international trade sector contributes $18.2 billion to the state’s GDP and supports around 70,000 jobs. High-demand roles include international trade and compliance specialists.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector in Utah contributes $23.98 billion to the state’s GDP, and supports more than 124,00 jobs. Welders, electricians, and machine operators continue to be in high demand in Utah.
3. Education System in Utah
With over 700K students and 41 school districts across the state, Utah ranks #4 in the country for its education.
- Public Schools: There are over 1,100 public schools across the state. Beehive Science and Technology Academy and InTech Collegiate High School, both known for their STEM programs, are among the best public schools.
- Private Schools: Utah has over 150 privately owned schools, mostly situated in urban areas. Waterford School and Rowland Hall are among the top private schools in Utah. On average, tuition for a private school in Utah costs $15,099 per year.
- Higher Education: Utah is home to several top-ranked universities. This includes Brigham Young University (BYU), known for faith-centered education, and the University of Utah, a renowned public research institution.
Pros and Cons of Living in Utah
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of moving to Utah:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Utah ranks as the #1 state to live in, and the 6th-most affordable US state in 2025. | 1. Due to its dry arid climate, the state is the 6th-most vulnerable state to wildfires. |
| 2. Utah has a growing job market in the tech, construction, international trade, and manufacturing sectors. | 2. With a median house price of $534K, housing and rent in Utah is relatively expensive. |
| 3. Utah has some of the lowest individual state income and property taxes in the country. | 3. Public transit outside major cities is sparse. Car ownership is a necessity in Utah. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Utah 📌
Here are some things to keep in mind before relocating to Utah:
1. Cost of Living in Utah
The cost of living in Utah is equal to the national average. This means you can save on daily expenses like utilities, food, and healthcare. However, transportation can get expensive.
Utah is an attractive option compared to more popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation
The population in Utah has been growing rapidly in the past few years, and the state faces challenges with its aged and overburdened infrastructure. 37% of the roads in Utah are in poor or fair condition.
However, the state is actively working on its infrastructure. Utah is set to receive over $2.6 billion over the next five years in federal funding to improve its highways and bridges.
3. Climate in Utah
The climate in Utah is varied, with four distinct seasons. Southern Utah has a warmer, subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. In contrast, northern parts of the state experience heavy snowfall, over 540 inches on average every year.
Utah is prone to several natural disasters, including wildfires, and earthquakes along the Wasatch Front, as well as floods in areas near water bodies. Check the FEMA-designated risk zones and local city guidelines before buying a house in Utah.
4. Laws and Regulations
- Vehicle and Driver’s License Registration: After moving to Utah, you have to register your vehicle within 60 days and obtain a Utah driver’s license within 90 days. You will need proof of residency, insurance, and title documents for registration.
- Moving to Utah with Guns: Adults aged 21 or above are allowed to carry a firearm openly without a permit. However, concealed carry requires a permit.
- Recreational Marijuana: Use of marijuana for recreational purposes is illegal in Utah. Any violation can mean $1,000 to $10,000 in penalties, and 6 months to 15 years in prison.
- Pet Registration Laws: There is no state-wide law on pet registration in Utah. However, almost all counties have certain pet registration and vaccination requirements. Visit your city website for more information.
5. Tax Burden in Utah
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Utah’s primary tax burden for an individual:
- Income Tax in Utah: With a flat 4.55% state income tax, Utah ranks among the top 10 states with the lowest income taxes. Additionally, cities are not allowed to impose any local income tax, keeping the effective income tax rate uniform throughout the state.
- Sales Tax in Utah: Utah levies a flat 4.7% state sales tax. Cities often charge an additional 0% to 4% local sales tax. This makes the effective sales tax rate in Utah range from 4.7% to 8.7%, depending on the city you’re moving to.
- Property Taxes in Utah: Utah has a 0.47% state property tax. However, cities levy a local property tax, making the combined property tax rate around 0.65% of the assessed value of your property. On average, a house owner in Utah pays $3,275 in property taxes each year.
How to Move to Utah?
Before buying a house in Utah, follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless move:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to skip all the heavy lifting, consider hiring a professional mover. You can expect to pay around $156 per hour. However, this amount can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- If you want to DIY, hiring a truck is a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-sized truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges between $40 and $80 per day. Be sure to factor in additional charges for mileage, fuel, and insurance.
2. How to Set Up Utilities?
Getting your utilities set up is a straightforward process in Utah:
- Electricity and Gas: Rocky Mountain Power provides electricity to over two-thirds of the state, while Dominion Energy Utah is the state’s largest natural gas provider. Visit your city website to find out about service providers in your area.
- Water and Sewer: Water and sewer services in Utah are typically provided by local municipalities, along with a few local companies. Visit your city website to know more.
- Internet and Cable: Xfinity (Comcast) and Google Fiber are the largest internet and cable service providers in Utah. On average, internet and cable packages range from $20 to $80. Visit their website to check availability in your area and compare packages.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in Schools in Utah?
Most schools in Utah offer online registration:
- For Kindergarten: Children must be at least 5 years old for enrollment in kindergarten, and 6 years old for enrollment in first grade by September 2. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID.
- For Older Kids: You’ll need all the above-mentioned documents, in addition to transcripts and a withdrawal form from their previous school. If your kids are high school athletes, check their eligibility to play to avoid any complications.
- Transfers and Special Cases: These are usually managed by local school districts. You can visit the school district office or website for more information.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home: 37% of employees in Utah work from their homes. If you’re someone who works remotely and is moving to Utah, ask your employer about state-specific tax and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: You can visit Utah.gov’s career section to search for new job openings in your city. You can also visit job portals like Indeed and LinkedIn to apply for jobs.
5. How to Find the Perfect House?
The Utah housing market leans in favor of buyers. 25.6% listed homes have experienced price drops, and inventory has increased by 20%. This gives buyers more negotiating power to secure better deals.
- In popular cities like Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo, the average rent is around $1,850. This depends on the neighborhood you are moving to, and the available amenities.
- If you plan to buy a home in a popular city, homes for sale in Salt Lake City cost around $566K. On the other hand, cities like Vernal and Price offer more affordable housing options, with median prices of $314K and $287K respectively.
Should I Move to Utah?
Yes, you should definitely move to Utah. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Utah isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Utah’s best home-buying website, buying a house in the Beehive State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Utah, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Utah, long before the moving boxes are packed.
