Florida Local Expert
Vanessa Leikvoll
“She fosters dogs but answers to the two parakeets who clearly run her house.”
See full bio
Moving from Florida to UT: The Truth Nobody Tells You
Swapping Florida's flat coastlines and year-round heat for Utah's towering red rock landscapes and four distinct seasons is a bigger shift than most people anticipate. The two states sit on opposite ends of the spectrum in nearly every way, from climate and terrain to culture and cost of living. Florida life revolves around the water, the warmth, and a laid-back coastal pace, while Utah pulls you into outdoor adventure, tight-knit communities, and a noticeably different social atmosphere. Our Snappy Scout team (Vanessa & Ann) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes you need to understand before you start loading the moving truck.
Who's Behind This Guide
Florida to UT Distance by the Numbers
Average distance
2,150miles
Typical route
I-10 W, I-20 W, I-30 W, I-40 W, I-15 N
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Miami, FL → Salt Lake City, UT
~2400 miles
Orlando, FL → Salt Lake City, UT
~2250 miles
Tampa, FL → Salt Lake City, UT
~2200 miles
Jacksonville, FL → Salt Lake City, UT
~2050 miles
Tallahassee, FL → Salt Lake City, UT
~2000 miles
Should You Move From Florida to Utah Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Utah from Florida 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.
The No-Nonsense Cost of a Florida to UT Relocation
Moving 2,150 miles from Florida 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.
Who Is the Florida to UT Move Honestly For?
Well, it depends. If you're a Tech Bro, Hipster, or Retired Military, you'll thrive in your move to Utah. But if you're more of a Beach Bum, Craft Beer Fan, or Gamer, 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 Florida to Utah.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from FL to UT
Tech Scene
Florida
3.5
/10
Utah
9
/10
Florida
Giving up
Startup buzz is rising, but Silicon Valley still owns the crown.
Utah
Gaining
Silicon Slopes startups, VC meetups, near freeway offices.
Recommended UT cities/areas for Tech Bros
LehiDraperProvo
Florida
3.5
/10
Utah
9
/10
Hipsters
Florida
5
/10
Utah
7.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Art murals pop, but ironic beards wilt in the humidity.
Utah
Gaining
Randy's Records flips, Blue Copper pour overs, tiny galleries.
Recommended UT cities/areas for Hipsters
Sugar House9th and 9thProvo
Florida
5
/10
Utah
7.5
/10
Military Culture
Florida
5
/10
Utah
7
/10
Florida
Giving up
Strong bases, beaches, and VA care make it feel like home.
Utah
Gaining
Hill Air Force Base neighbors, VA Salt Lake support, St. George VA Center.
Recommended UT cities/areas for Retired Militaries
LaytonClearfieldOgdenSt. George
Florida
5
/10
Utah
7
/10
Beach Culture
Florida
10
/10
Utah
3
/10
Florida
Giving up
Year-round surf, sand, and Margaritaville moods everywhere you go.
Utah
Gaining
Sunny days abound, but Great Salt Lake is not Maui.
Recommended UT cities/areas for Beach Bums
St. GeorgeGarden CityHurricane
Florida
10
/10
Utah
3
/10
Craft Beer Culture
Florida
8.5
/10
Utah
6.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Cigar City Brewing, Swamp Head, and endless IPA innovation.
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
Florida
8.5
/10
Utah
6.5
/10
Gaming
Florida
7.5
/10
Utah
6
/10
Florida
Giving up
Mega conventions and humid nights spent grinding indoors.
Utah
Gaining
U of U esports, FanX weekends, fiber internet Lehi.
Recommended UT cities/areas for Gamers
LehiSalt Lake CityProvo
Florida
7.5
/10
Utah
6
/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 Florida and living in Utah
FloridaUtah
Florida Food vs UT Food: What No One Tells You
Eating Like a Local in Florida
This really varies by where in Florida you are. But, generally, Cuban and Latin-inspired food here is very popular, as well as what I refer to as "beach bar food:" coconut shrimp, grouper bites, crab cakes, gator bites, fish tacos, and of course, margaritas (especially spicy ones with a Tajin rim).
I don't think there are any unspoken rules here, per se, except that you always want to get the freshest fish available, such as mahi mahi or grouper, and skip the conventional white fish.
Vanessa LeikvollFlorida 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 ExpertIs UT a More Affordable State for Your Tax Future?
Florida
Utah
FloridavsUtah
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNone. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Flat 4.55 percent statewide
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
VS
Utah
Flat 4.55 percent statewide
Property Taxes
Property TaxesModerate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
Moderate effective rates, Salt Lake County higher, Park City pricier, rural counties lowest
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
VS
Utah
Moderate effective rates, Salt Lake County higher, Park City pricier, rural counties lowest
The Cultural, Political, & Religious Comparison Between Florida and UT
Florida
Utah
FloridavsUtah
People
PeopleFriendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Famously friendly, family centered, outdoorsy, earnest, neighbor helpful
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
VS
Utah
Famously friendly, family centered, outdoorsy, earnest, neighbor helpful
Politics
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Deep red statewide, Salt Lake City and Moab bluer, college towns lean progressive
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
VS
Utah
Deep red statewide, Salt Lake City and Moab bluer, college towns lean progressive
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Predominantly LDS, then other Christians, rising unaffiliated, small Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist communities
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
VS
Utah
Predominantly LDS, then other Christians, rising unaffiliated, small Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist communities
Weather Breakdown Between Florida and UT
SUMMER
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
Utah
Red rock broiler mode (triple digits in St. George, asphalt shimmer in Moab), cool mornings and evenings in northern climbs.
WINTER
Florida
Sweater optional (unless you're in the Panhandle, then it's gloves and regret)
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 Florida, 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.
