Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Salt Lake City, UT

Reach new heights while living in the Crossroads of the West 

Blending a family-friendly atmosphere with awe-inspiring natural surroundings, Salt Lake City is becoming an increasingly popular place to call home. The state capital sits along the Wasatch Mountain Range in northern Utah and is best known as the center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Are you considering a move from Phoenix, AZ, another rapidly-growing city? Learn how the two compare and find out about a unique company designed to simplify long-distance residential moves. 

Did you know: Salt Lake City is known as the Crossroads of the West because the first Transcontinental Railroad was completed near SLC in 1869, sparking a profitable mining industry throughout the area. 

 

Phoenix is huge — but is SLC the next big thing? 

Salt Lake City currently has a population of 200,000, making it almost eight times smaller than Phoenix. But SLC is among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., which is reflected in a competitive housing market. While Salt Lake City and Phoenix each have an average rent of $1,500 per month, SLC’s median home cost has soared to $500,000, eclipsing Phoenix (just under $400,000). 

 

Enjoy four distinct seasons 

Unlike the dry air and intense heat Phoenicians endure for most of the year, Salt Lake City residents get more weather variety. At 4,300 feet above sea level, SLC is very dry and has next to no humidity – like Phoenix – which can help comfort those with respiratory issues. Spring and summer are pleasant in SLC while winters are cold and snowy, bringing up to 60 inches of powder to the surrounding ski resorts. In fact, it’s not unusual to see snow in early May!  

 

Being outside is a way of life 

 Great outdoors options like biking and hiking are abundant in both cities. While Camelback Mountain sits right in the middle of Phoenix, Salt Lake City has more diverse choices in the surrounding areas, with five national parks and a dozen ski resorts within a short drive. There are also more than 900 acres of public parks. 

Fun fact: SLC hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. Many of the venues, including the bobsled track and the biathlon course, are still in use. 

 

Arts and community play a key role 

Salt Lake City, an extremely family- and community-oriented city, is believed to have the highest rate of volunteerism in the country. When it’s time to unwind, locals can enjoy the Tabernacle Choir in Temple Square, a Broadway theater, an acclaimed ballet company, and the Utah Symphony and Orchestra. For movie fans, the world-renown Sundance Film Festival is a downtown staple every winter. 

 

It's easy to get around 

While Phoenix is spread out over 517 square miles, Salt Lake City is a compact 111 square miles and laid out in a grid. The typical commute time (under 23 minutes) is below the national average. Protected bike lanes throughout the metro area are physically separated from traffic and the Utah Transit Authority operates light rail trains and buses daily. 
 

Salt Lake City’s state-of-the-art international airport, remodeled in 2020, is just minutes from downtown and accessible by public transportation. It offers over 370 daily departures to 99 non-stop destinations, making visits to Phoenix a snap! 

 

Choose U-Pack for an easy and confident move  

Not eager to drive a rental truck 660 miles north up I-15 to your new home? With U-Pack®, you don’t have to! One of our professional consultants can help you design a move that meets your needs. All you do is pack and load — we’ll deliver your belongings to your new home in Salt Lake City in less than a week. Need additional help preparing for your move? We can connect you with professional packing and loading assistance. 

Get a free quote today and learn more! Curious where else we can move you to? Check out our coverage map.