Connecticut Local Expert
Lynn Nelthropp
“She has a uniquely vivid long-term memory and actually remembers the details of being only 1.”
See full bio
CT to UT Relocation: Why So Many People Are Doing It
Swapping New England charm for the red rock landscapes of the Mountain West is a bigger leap than most people anticipate. Connecticut offers dense, historic towns, coastal access, and a four-season climate that leans heavily on fall foliage and snowy winters, while Utah trades all of that for towering desert plateaus, world-class ski resorts, and a sunbaked way of life that runs at its own pace. The cost of living picture shifts in unexpected directions too, with Utah offering lower taxes but Connecticut residents sometimes finding that housing and daily expenses do not shake out the way they expected. Our Snappy Scout team (Lynn & Ann) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes you should plan for before you load up the first moving truck.
Who's Behind This Guide
Considering a DIY Move from CT to UT?
Average distance
2,150miles
Typical route
I-84 W, I-80 W
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Hartford, CT → Salt Lake City, UT
~2150 miles
New Haven, CT → Salt Lake City, UT
~2150 miles
Bridgeport, CT → Provo, UT
~2200 miles
Stamford, CT → Ogden, UT
~2200 miles
Waterbury, CT → St. George, UT
~2450 miles
Should You Move From Connecticut to Utah Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Utah from Connecticut is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
What Will a CT to UT Move Actually Cost You?
Moving 2,150 miles from Connecticut to Utah will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,500.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,500.00
Expected Time
5–12days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,260.00
1 Bedroom
$1,860.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,070.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,450.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,400.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,110.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,260.00 | 300 | $4.2 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,860.00 | 450 | $4.13 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,070.00 | 750 | $4.09 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,450.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,400.00 | 1,600 | $4 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,110.00 | 1,800 | $3.95 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
Is Relocating to UT from CT Right for You?
Well, it depends. If you're a Cowboy, Adventure Junkie, or DIYer, you'll thrive in your move to Utah. But if you're more of a Wall Street Exec, Binge Shopper, or Craft Beer Fan, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Connecticut to Utah.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from CT to UT
Cowboys
Connecticut
3
/10
Utah
8.5
/10
Connecticut
Giving up
Goshen Fair broncs entertain, but daily ranch life is rare.
Utah
Gaining
Ogden Pioneer Days, Heber rodeos, Uintah Basin ranch culture, Cross Hollow Arena, Dixie Roundup rodeo.
Recommended UT cities/areas for Cowboys
OgdenHeber CityVernalCedar City
Connecticut
3
/10
Utah
8.5
/10
Adventure Activities
Connecticut
7
/10
Utah
9.5
/10
Connecticut
Giving up
AT in Kent, Sleeping Giant climbing, Mooween mountain biking.
Utah
Gaining
Zion slots, Moab slickrock, Wasatch powder days galore, Snow Canyon
Recommended UT cities/areas for Adventure Junkies
MoabPark CitySpringdaleSt. George
Connecticut
7
/10
Utah
9.5
/10
DIYers
Connecticut
6.5
/10
Utah
7.5
/10
Connecticut
Giving up
Hardware heritages, reclaimed mill projects.
Utah
Gaining
Craft Lake City festival, RC Willey runs, projects erupt.
Recommended UT cities/areas for DIYers
Salt Lake CityLehiOgden
Connecticut
6.5
/10
Utah
7.5
/10
Wall Street Life
Connecticut
9
/10
Utah
3.5
/10
Connecticut
Giving up
Hedge fund row, Metro North dash to Midtown.
Utah
Gaining
Salt Lake City Goldman hub exists, but deal flow slower.
Recommended UT cities/areas for Wall Street Execs
Salt Lake City
Connecticut
9
/10
Utah
3.5
/10
Shopping
Connecticut
8.5
/10
Utah
6
/10
Connecticut
Giving up
Westfarms, Danbury Fair, Clinton Crossing sprees.
Utah
Gaining
City Creek splurges, Fashion Place hauls, Station Park therapy.
Recommended UT cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
Salt Lake CityMurrayFarmington
Connecticut
8.5
/10
Utah
6
/10
Craft Beer Culture
Connecticut
8.5
/10
Utah
6.5
/10
Connecticut
Giving up
Two Roads, Fox Farm, Counter Weight tastings.
Utah
Gaining
Fisher, Kiitos taps, state store adventures, early last call, Strap Tank
Recommended UT cities/areas for Craft Beer Fans
Salt Lake CityOgdenMidvaleSt. George
Connecticut
8.5
/10
Utah
6.5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Utah?
Stunning mountain vistas, unrivaled fine art culture, red rocks and the smell of sage after rain!
– Ann Broadbent
Utah Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Connecticut and living in Utah
ConnecticutUtah
The Eating Culture Between CT and UT
Eating Like a Local in Connecticut
Pizza with a Foxon Park soda (Birch Beer for me)
Lobster Roll, CT style (warm w/ butter)
New England Clam Chowder
Steamed Cheeseburgers
Lynn NelthroppConnecticut Local ExpertEating Like a Local in Utah
Steak, french fries with fry sauce.
Sweet Pork Burrito Supreme with rice and beans, sour cream and guacamole
Ann BroadbentUtah Local ExpertThe Actual Tax Breakdown of Moving to UT from CT
Connecticut
Utah
ConnecticutvsUtah
State Income Tax
State Income TaxProgressive 2% to 6.99%; lower brackets reduced in 2024; credits phase out.
Flat 4.55 percent statewide
Connecticut
Progressive 2% to 6.99%; lower brackets reduced in 2024; credits phase out.
VS
Utah
Flat 4.55 percent statewide
Property Taxes
Property TaxesHigh mill rates in Hartford, New Haven, & Bridgeport; suburbs like Greenwich, Westport lower.
Moderate effective rates, Salt Lake County higher, Park City pricier, rural counties lowest
Connecticut
High mill rates in Hartford, New Haven, & Bridgeport; suburbs like Greenwich, Westport lower.
VS
Utah
Moderate effective rates, Salt Lake County higher, Park City pricier, rural counties lowest
The Unfiltered Values, Beliefs, & Politics Breakdown: CT vs UT
Connecticut
Utah
ConnecticutvsUtah
People
PeoplePolitely reserved, town-focused, preppy coastal pockets w/ maritime history, surprisingly neighborly, dry humor.
Famously friendly, family centered, outdoorsy, earnest, neighbor helpful
Connecticut
Politely reserved, town-focused, preppy coastal pockets w/ maritime history, surprisingly neighborly, dry humor.
VS
Utah
Famously friendly, family centered, outdoorsy, earnest, neighbor helpful
Politics
Solidly blue statewide; cities deep Democratic; Fairfield County suburbs moderate; eastern towns mixed.
Deep red statewide, Salt Lake City and Moab bluer, college towns lean progressive
Connecticut
Solidly blue statewide; cities deep Democratic; Fairfield County suburbs moderate; eastern towns mixed.
VS
Utah
Deep red statewide, Salt Lake City and Moab bluer, college towns lean progressive
Religion
ReligionCatholic largest; many mainline Protestant; sizable Jewish community in West Hartford, Stamford; rising unaffiliated.
Predominantly LDS, then other Christians, rising unaffiliated, small Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist communities
Connecticut
Catholic largest; many mainline Protestant; sizable Jewish community in West Hartford, Stamford; rising unaffiliated.
VS
Utah
Predominantly LDS, then other Christians, rising unaffiliated, small Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist communities
CT and UT Experts on the Weather: The Honest Truth
SUMMER
Connecticut
Lobsta' roll sauna mode (Inland bakes while the coast gets some natural AC).
Utah
Red rock broiler mode (triple digits in St. George, asphalt shimmer in Moab), cool mornings and evenings in northern climbs.
WINTER
Connecticut
Making me wonder why I live somewhere that makes my face hurt.
Utah
Mountain freezer (wear that puffy coat along with hat & gloves (Wasatch nights bite, St. George keeps golfing).
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Utah
Spring blooms in Southern Utah, cool summer evenings in Northern Utah, stunning fall colors in Central and Northern Utah, winter snow covered mountains throughout the state, music fests, Peach Days, farmers markets, indoor and outdoor theater, friendly people, breathtaking geography
Ann BroadbentUtah Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Utah
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Connecticut, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Utah. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Utah local experts.
