Moving from Chicago, IL, to Salt Lake City, UT

A smaller city at the Crossroads of the West

Moving from the Windy City of Chicago to the much smaller Salt Lake City, the Crossroads of the West, means adjusting to life outside the big city.

Chicago has more than 2.7 million residents, while Salt Lake City has a significantly lower population, with just over 200,000 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. But don’t fret; you’ll find plenty of big-city opportunities in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has over 1.25 million residents.

Here are some other things you should know before making the move.

Expect changes in the weather

The weather in Salt Lake City can feel much drier than in Chicago due to the differences in humidity. While Chicago is known for warm and humid summers, Salt Lake City’s summers are generally hot and dry, with average temperatures hovering around 93 degrees for the season.

If you loved the cold, snowy winters in Chicago, you can expect similar temperatures in Salt Lake City with a bit more average snowfall — over 50 inches, vs. Chicago’s annual average of around 37 inches.

Experience a lower cost of living

Salt Lake City’s cost of living is generally lower than in Chicago, which can be a big draw for new residents. The job market is good, with unemployment rates significantly lower than the national average. Top industries for work include technology, trade, transportation and utilities. There are also construction, education, finance, health care, manufacturing and tourism and hospitality opportunities.

Some of Salt Lake City’s largest employers include:

• Intermountain Healthcare
• Delta Air Lines
• The University of Utah
• Novus Credit Services

Get ready for breathtaking outdoor surroundings

Salt Lake City is known for its breathtaking natural surroundings and outdoor activities year-round. In the winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Other seasons are perfect for biking, camping and hiking, or birdwatching if that’s more your style. With numerous canyons, lakes, mountains, parks and rivers in and around Salt Lake City, you won’t have to go far to enjoy nature.

Get a quote to move west to Utah

U-Pack® has over 25 years of experience in out-of-state moves, and we can get you from Chicago to Salt Lake City with ease through our network of nationwide service centers. We’ll handle the driving so you can focus on packing, loading and unloading.

Request your free, no-obligation online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. We’re here to help!