25 Pros and Cons of Living in Utah 2024

Are you curious about the pros and cons of living in Utah?

At some point, anyone who visits Utah considers the possibility of moving there. The state is absolutely stunning, with dramatic mountains, rock formations, outdoor activity opportunities, and intriguing culture in both the cities and the small desert towns. 

I’ve considered it numerous times because my doctors told me it’d be good for my asthma. But it was Zion National Park and the Arches that nearly swayed me to make the move. However, the heat was too much for me. It’s how I ended up living in California instead – in the north so it was cool.

Utah is also known for its high quality of living, making it an excellent place for families to find a safe community and a healthy, active lifestyle. 

But like every state, Utah has a few downsides, from its extremely dry climate to high housing costs. 

So, as someone who has lived in 18 different countries throughout my life, I’ll tell you (with complete transparency) all of the reasons why Utah is a great place to relocate, as well as all the necessary cons to think through before packing your bags and moving to Utah! 

1. Pro: Strong Economy

Utah’s strong economy is one of the top reasons it’s a great state to live in! The strongest sectors are energy and tourism, but no matter what field you work in, it’s a great place to be an entrepreneur.

Utah’s success rate for start-up companies is 70% above the national average. That’s incredible for people (like me!) who enjoy being their own boss!

But regardless of whether you’re an employee or a business owner, Utah’s unemployment rate of 2.3% is well below the national average, so you can feel confident in finding work after moving here.

The growing economy offers economic stability for all its residents, and that’s a big reason people and businesses find Utah an attractive destination to settle down. 

2. Con: High Tax Rate 

While there is a good chance you will find work and be able to make a living wage, you will be subject to a flat-rate income tax of 4.95%. 

This isn’t crazy high, but if you’re moving from a place with no state income tax, like Florida or Texas, this can feel like a big chunk out of your budget.  

It also has a high sales tax rate of 6.10%, and that number jumps to 8% on all alcoholic beverages. 

So, while Utah may offer financial stability and great natural amenities, the tax rate does affect the average cost of living in Utah.

3. Pro: Five National Parks

Utah is home to the third-highest number of national parks in the country, following Alaska. 

Utah has five incredible parks known as the Mighty 5. They are: 

• Zion National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Arches National Park.

Each park offers a unique landscape and experience for visitors. There’s so much to see, from surreal red-rock hoodoos in Bryce Canyon to the vibrant canyons and rivers in Zion National Park.

Supplementing the Mighty 5 National Parks are a bunch of state parks and other protected areas, which means you can always find hiking trails, camping areas, and stunning viewpoints nearby. 

4. Con: Dry Climate

Utah is known for its natural scenery. But except for the region surrounding Salt Lake City, the state is mostly desert. 

This geography leads to one of the lowest relative humidity levels in the country and an average annual precipitation rate much lower than the national average. 

The average rainfall in Utah is only 8-12 inches per year). These dry summers lead to low river water levels and minimal greenery, especially in southern Utah. 

However, the climate is much more moderate once you get north of I-70 into the Wasatch mountains. So, if you prefer to be away from the desert, consider cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, or Logan, which get up to 50 inches of rain/snow per year.

5. Pro: Fast Growing

Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with a growth rate of 18.4% since 2010. That’s more than double the national average!

While other states like New York are shrinking, Utah is thriving. 

The surging economy and booming job market are the primary reasons for growth and make Utah an attractive destination for individuals searching for new opportunities.

This growth also means finding and building community among other new residents is easy. 

Also, if you invest in property, it’s very likely to increase in value over the coming years!

6. Con: Overcrowding

However, the rapid growth and success of Utah can be a double-edged sword. 

In the larger cities, especially Salt Lake City and St. George, overcrowding is becoming an issue. The influx has caused higher demand for housing, driving up rental costs while also exacerbating the traffic problems in Salt Lake City and other metropolitan areas. 

This makes the growth simultaneously a pro and a con of living in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City drivers lost approximately 85 hours to rush hour, making it the 45th worst city in the US for traffic. 

If this concerns you, I recommend moving to a smaller town outside of Salt Lake City, such as Ogden, UT or Logan, UT.

7. Pro: Fairly Low Cost of Living

Despite its boom in population growth, Utah still offers a relatively low cost of living compared to neighboring states like Colorado.

This is true for groceries, gas, utilities, and other monthly bills. 

The one exception is the housing market. With an average home value of $507,000, it’s one of the most expensive places in the nation to buy a home.

But even if you can’t buy a home right away, the median household income of $95,800 means you can settle down, start a family, and pursue your career without dipping too far into savings! 

8. Con: Increasing Rent 

As you might expect, the growing population in Utah has been driving up the cost of rental payments substantially. 

These increased real estate costs are due to large corporate landlords entering the market and buying out smaller ones, resulting in higher rent prices for tenants.

But these inflated prices are primarily felt around Salt Lake City. If you are willing to live away from the city, you can still find affordable housing! 

9. Pro: Good Public Education

The public education system in Utah still ranks 13th best across the United States. 

So, while there are still some ways it could improve, parents can rest assured knowing their children will receive a good education and have a solid foundation for future success.

In addition, several universities throughout the state have reputable programs, giving students plenty of options to further their education after high school. 

10. Con: One of the Lowest in Per Pupil Funding

Despite the overall good standing of public education in Utah, the state is still among the lowest in per-pupil funding. 

The state also ranks low on teacher-student ratio and very low in education spending. 

Lower funding means that the state may struggle to keep up with its growth, which could lead to a decrease in the quality of education over the next decade. 

11. Pro: Four Seasons

Although Utah has a super dry climate, that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the seasons. 

No matter where you live in Utah, you’ll experience all four seasons. Spring brings blooming flowers, summer is hot and dry, fall has spectacular foliage, and winter offers plenty of snow for skiing and snowboarding.

Living in Utah means you won’t have to miss out on the sun or the snow, and no matter the time of year, there’s always something different to explore. 

12. Con: Extreme Weather

While Utah’s four distinct seasons bring beauty and variety to the landscape, they also come with extreme weather.

You won’t have to worry much about natural disasters, but summer days can reach scorching temperatures of over 100º (specifically near St. George and Moab). On the other hand, winters can bring regular snowstorms and harsh sub-zero temperatures.

If you move to the mountains in Utah, invest in a car with 4-wheel drive and always keep an emergency kit with tire snow chains! 

13. Pro: Great Winter Sports

The silver lining in winter snowstorms is that Utah is one of the best places in the world for winter sports. It even secured the chance to host the 2034 Winter Olympics! 

Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities for locals and visitors alike, but people love ice skating, sledding, and snowmobiling. 

Park City is the ‘mecca’ for snow sports in Utah, with multiple ski resorts and hundreds of trails in the surrounding mountains. 

14. Con: Serious Snow

I mentioned this briefly, but Utah gets a decent amount of snow, especially in the mountain towns in northern Utah. 

The snowiest town in Utah is actually Alta, which regularly gets over 400 inches of snow per year! 

But that’s definitely an outlier. 

The capital of Salt Lake City gets about 50 inches per year, and drier areas like St. George only get a few inches of snow and have significantly more mild winters. 

Though not as snowy as Vermont, you’ll definitely need winter clothes and a snow shovel if you decide to live in Utah. 

15. Pro: Great Capital City

Salt Lake City is the state capital, its largest city, and one of the best places in Utah to live. 

SLC is known for its beautiful architecture, friendly locals, and exciting outdoor recreation. 

Residents also love that it hosts numerous cultural attractions, music festivals (the Utah Jazz Festival is very popular), art galleries, and fine dining restaurants! 

Plus, unlike many other cities in the United States, Salt Lake City has an excellent public transit system and a bike share program that makes it easy to get around without a car.

Salt Lake International Airport is also well-connected domestically and internationally, with nearly 350 daily flights. 

16. Con: Miles and Miles of Nothing

Utah is known for its vast open spaces, and if you’re on a road trip, expect to spend a few hours in the car between destinations. 

This downside is less of an issue along I-80 since almost all major cities and towns are within a short drive from the Interstate. But if you want to explore the more remote parts of Utah, you’ll need a full gas tank to get anywhere! 

Believe it or not, Eastern Utah has a 110-mile stretch of highway without gas stations, bathrooms, or public facilities. It is the longest stretch of service-less interstate in the country.

17. Pro: Low Crime Rate

Utah is a relatively safe place to live and visit. The state has one of the lowest crime rates in the country and an even lower rate of violent crime and property theft. 

I attribute this partially to the low population in Utah’s smaller towns. These small towns still have a strong sense of community and truly know their neighbors. Utah is also one of the most religious states in the USA, and these religious convictions also contribute to lower crime.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, safe place to settle down, Utah is a great choice! 

18. Con: Conservative Liquor Policies

Utah has some of the most conservative liquor laws in the country.

The infamous “3.2 beer rule” limits the alcohol content of beers sold in grocery stores and restaurants to 3.2%.

This was then changed to 4-5% in 2019 so that you can get some stuff that’s stronger, but still weaker than many other beers.

If you’re a fan of craft beers or stronger drinks, you must purchase your alcohol at a state-run liquor store. For people who enjoy drinking occasionally, shopping in the state-run store becomes a normal part of Utah living. 

21. Pro: So Much Natural Beauty

Utah is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.

The state offers diverse natural scenery, from majestic mountains and lush forests to stunning deserts and fascinating rock formations such as natural arches and hoodoos.

Perhaps the most unique landscape is the ‘hoodoos.’ These are tall, thin, otherworldly-looking rock spires, and Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the world’s largest collection!

20. Con: Not Much Nightlife

Due to its high population of religious individuals and strong drinking laws, Utah tends to be a poor place for nightlife. 

Except for a few neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, most restaurants, bars, and even centers are closed by 9PM on Friday and Saturday nights. 

If you want to spend a night out on the town, some neighborhoods where things stay open late in Salt Lake City include State Street, Main Street, and The Sugar House District. 

22. Con: Air Pollution

Despite its natural beauty, Salt Lake City ranks #10 on the list of worst air quality in the U.S. 

The levels of air pollution are due to an increased population and regular weather inversions when cold air gets trapped near the ground, and pollutants can’t disperse into the atmosphere.

This low air quality can make living in certain parts of the state difficult for those with respiratory conditions or allergies. 

23. Pro: Friendly Neighbors

Utah is known for having some of the country’s happiest people, making it a great place to find a loving community and feel surrounded by neighbors who genuinely care about you. 

It was actually ranked the nation’s second-friendliest city by Travel+Leisure. 

No matter where you go in the state, you’re likely to find people who are kind, friendly, and willing to go out of their way to lend a helping hand. 

It’s hard to calculate friendliness, and it obviously won’t apply to everyone. Still, many new residents say they notice a difference from their previous home, making them feel extremely welcome in Utah. 

24. Con: Community-Based On Share Religious Beliefs

Over 65% of Utahians identify as Mormon, and while that can provide a great sense of community among people living in Utah, it can also make it challenging to fit in if you do not share the same beliefs.

If you are a member of the Mormon Church, this would be a big bonus in moving to SLC. 

But if you are non-religious, you may feel a little distant and left out in some circles due to the strong religious presence. 

25. Pro: Good Home Town Food

Utah’s food scene may not always be fancy, but it’s delicious! 

One staple in Utah is Arctic Circle, a classic drive-in with a famous fry sauce known across the country! 

There are also plenty of trendy brunch restaurants, authentic Mexican taquerias, and other international restaurants throughout the state. Utah is also heavily influenced by its Southwestern Navajo nation, meaning you can get delicious Navajo tacos in most cities! 

No matter what cuisine you’re in the mood for, Utah has something for everyone to enjoy!

26. Con: Lack of Diversity of People

Despite its growing population, Utah is still one of the least diverse states in the US. 

Diversity can lead to a variety of ideas and perspectives when it comes to business, politics, and other aspects of life. 

The lack of diversity can create a cultural homogeneity that may not allow individuals with different backgrounds or beliefs to thrive. 

You might miss some of those varied perspectives if you make Utah your home. But it’s a double-edged sword because the only way for that to change is for people of all backgrounds to move to Utah. 

27. Pro: Very High Quality of Life

Regardless of the drawbacks, living in Utah (a.k.a. The Beehive State) means enjoying a very high quality of life.

The state has excellent infrastructure and is home to some of the nation’s leading technology companies, making it a great place to raise a family, live as a digital nomad, or start a business.

Not only that, but the state also boasts stunning natural scenery that creates an innate desire to be active in your free time and spend time outdoors! 

These characteristics lead many people in Utah to experience good health, happiness, and excellent overall life satisfaction. 

FAQs About Moving to Utah Pros and Cons

What Is Crime Like In Utah?

Utah has one of the lowest crime rates in the US. Violent crimes are particularly rare, making Utah a relatively safe place to live and work compared to other states. 

Is Utah the Happiest State?

Utah is ranked consistently as one of the top states for happiness. The state’s high life satisfaction comes from a low unemployment rate, a high quality of life, and a healthy sense of community in most areas.

Is Utah a Good Place to Live If You Are Not a Mormon?

Yes! While most of Utah’s population is Mormon, most communities make an effort to welcome people from all different backgrounds, particularly in Salt Lake City.

Is There Snow in Utah?

Utah has a lot of snow, particularly near Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Mountains. This snowfall makes it an ideal place to ski, snowboard, and enjoy the many ski villages. Southern Utah, on the other hand, only gets a few inches of snow each winter. 

Wrap Up

All that said, Utah is a beautiful place to call home, which is why the population continues growing so rapidly!

The biggest reasons people choose to move to Utah are its breathtaking landscapes, thriving economy, and friendly communities. However, there are some drawbacks to consider before moving, such as a dry climate, few cities, and high housing costs. 

While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate the outdoors, prioritize safety, and need a stable job market will find that Utah checks all the boxes! 

So grab my moving checklist and start planning the relocation details, whether that’s Utah or a nearby U.S. state.