Moving to Salt Lake City, UT
Thinking about moving to Salt Lake City, UT? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 107 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $1,600/month, summers average 64°F, and Utah has a top income tax rate of 4.55%. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Salt Lake City.
- Cost of living
- 107
- Typical 2BR rent
- $1,600/mo
- Avg summer high
- 64°F
- Avg winter low
- 43°F
Cost of living in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City's cost-of-living index is 107 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $1,600 per month. Utah levies a top income tax rate of 4.55% and an average combined sales tax of 7.25%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.
Climate and best time to move
Expect average summer highs near 64°F, winter lows around 43°F, and about 15.6 inches of precipitation a year in Salt Lake City. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. Weather is moderate most of the year; any off-peak month works well.
Setting up utilities in Salt Lake City
Line up your utilities before move day. In the Salt Lake City area that typically means Rocky Mountain Power, Dominion Energy, SLC Public Utilities. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.
Popular routes to Salt Lake City
Licensed movers in Utah
Our licensed-carrier database is still populating for this lane. Request a free quote and we'll match you with verified, FMCSA-licensed movers.
8 Top Movers · the eight
Advertising disclosure
Compare the 8 top-rated long-distance movers
8 Top Movers ranks the long-distance moving companies we think are worth your shortlist, with a plain explanation of who each one suits.
- Rank 1 of 8.Global Elegance Moving and LogisticsLong-distance & cross-country movesUSDOT 4355323MC-1703504Boca Raton, FL
- Rank 2 of 8.TapMoveLicensed modern long-distance movesUSDOT 4445013MC-1750835Sacramento, CA
- Rank 3 of 8.LoadRansWest-origin long-distance movesUSDOT 3729978MC-1348724Vernon, CA
- Rank 4 of 8.Bristol Moving and StorageRegional & NJ-origin movesUSDOT 4149046MC-1592376Spotswood, NJ
- Rank 5 of 8.Hudson Van LinesMid-Atlantic origin long-haulsUSDOT 4564691MC-1814851Randolph, NJ
- Rank 6 of 8.Royal Van LinesLicensed long-distance movesUSDOT 4179767MC-1673925West Milford, NJ
- Rank 7 of 8.Pacific Moving and StorageWest Coast departuresUSDOT 3933678MC-1458755Ladera Ranch, CA
- Rank 8 of 8.Apex Van LinesPacific Northwest originsUSDOT 4479645MC-1769076Kirkland, WA
8 Top Movers is an advertising-supported comparison service. Its ranking reflects editorial judgment, not a measured rating, and featured or network partners may compensate it when you request quotes, which can influence placement. We operate both this site and that one. Carrier records and cost data published here are independent of those commercial relationships.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Salt Lake City expensive to live in?
- Salt Lake City has a cost-of-living index of 107 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $1,600/month.
- What's the weather like in Salt Lake City?
- Summer highs average 64°F, winter lows about 43°F, with roughly 15.6 inches of annual precipitation.
- When is the best time to move to Salt Lake City?
- Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.
Moving to Salt Lake City?
Get free, non-binding quotes from licensed movers.
Sources
- MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
- Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
- NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
- Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15