Moving to Salt Lake City: What to Expect

Josh Summerhays • August 28, 2025

Thinking About Moving to Salt Lake City?

If you’ve been considering a fresh start, moving to Salt Lake City Utah might be on your list. And for good reason. Salt Lake has become one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the Mountain West, drawing new residents who want both big-city amenities and access to nature.

As of 2025, the city itself has just over 215,000 residents, while the greater metro area is home to more than 1.2 million people. Growth has been steady, with the metro adding nearly 19,000 new residents in a single year, thanks in large part to migration from other states and countries . Clearly, if you’re moving to SLC, you’re not the only one.

Cost of Living in SLC

When people start thinking about moving to Salt Lake City Utah, one of the first questions they ask is: what’s it going to cost me? The cost of living in SLC is slightly higher than the national average—about 8 percent higher overall. The main factor is housing.

The median home price is around $595,000 as of mid-2025. Homes don’t stay on the market long, often selling in just over a month. For renters, the average income needed to afford an apartment comfortably is close to $70,000 a year, which is actually a little lower than the national benchmark but still challenging for many.

The good news is that other expenses—like groceries, utilities, and healthcare—are closer to average, which helps balance things out. If you’re planning on moving to SLC, having a clear budget and realistic expectations will help you get settled smoothly.

Neighborhoods to Explore

One of the most exciting parts of moving to Salt Lake City is choosing where to live. The city is a patchwork of neighborhoods, each with its own feel and price point.

Central City: Affordable by SLC standards, with a mix of apartments and smaller homes. Great for young professionals.
East Central: Close to downtown, with historic homes and tree-lined streets.
The Avenues and Capitol Hill: Classic architecture, hilly streets, and amazing views of the city. A favorite for those who love charm and character.
Downtown: Walkable, urban, and lively. Expect higher rents but easy access to restaurants and nightlife.
Rose Park and Fairpark: Some of the more budget-friendly options, attracting first-time buyers and families.

If you’re moving to Salt Lake City Utah, exploring these neighborhoods ahead of time (even virtually) can help you narrow down where you’ll feel most at home.

Lifestyle When Moving to SLC

It’s hard to talk about moving to SLC without mentioning the lifestyle. This is a city where you can work in a tech office during the day and hit a ski slope or hiking trail in the evening. Within 30 minutes, you can be mountain biking, skiing, or hiking through canyon trails.

It’s hard to talk about moving to SLC without mentioning the lifestyle. For skiers and snowboarders, the Wasatch Mountains are practically in your backyard. Just 30 to 45 minutes from downtown you can be at world-famous resorts like Snowbird and Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon or

Brighton and Solitude in Big Cottonwood Canyon. If you are willing to drive a little farther, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley are less than an hour away and offer some of the best ski terrain in the country. For newcomers who love winter sports, this easy access is one of the biggest perks of moving to Salt Lake City Utah.

When the snow melts, the mountains transform into a playground for hikers and bikers. Popular trails include Ensign Peak, a quick hike just north of downtown with sweeping views of the city, Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the steep but rewarding Mount Olympus Trail. Bikers flock to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which runs along the foothills of the Wasatch, or Corner Canyon in Draper, known for its extensive network of mountain biking trails. Whether you are looking for a casual evening hike or a full-day backcountry adventure, these trails make moving to SLC especially appealing for outdoor enthusiasts.

The job market is another big pull. Salt Lake City has consistently ranked as one of the strongest economies in the country, with opportunities in tech, healthcare, finance, and education. That means many newcomers arrive for work and end up staying for the lifestyle.

Culturally, Salt Lake is evolving quickly. New restaurants, live music venues, and art festivals are reshaping the city’s identity. Families will also find plenty of parks, schools, and suburban communities that make it easy to put down roots.

Making Your Move Easier

Relocating always comes with its challenges, especially in a city where the housing market is competitive. One way to make the process easier is by planning for storage. Whether you’re waiting on a new home to be ready, need a place for your belongings while house-hunting, or just want to declutter during the move, having a reliable storage option is a huge help.

That’s where STOR-N-LOCK Self Storage comes in. With multiple convenient locations around the valley, you can find a secure place to keep your belongings while you get settled in Salt Lake. Popular options include:

These facilities offer clean, secure, and flexible units, perfect for short-term or long-term use during your move.

Moving to Salt Lake City Utah means embracing a place where the mountains meet a growing metro. The city offers a strong job market, endless outdoor opportunities, and neighborhoods for nearly every lifestyle. At the same time, the cost of living in SLC requires careful budgeting, especially when it comes to housing.

If you’re planning your next chapter and moving to Salt Lake City, preparing ahead will help you feel right at home. And with trusted resources like STOR-N-LOCK Self Storage, you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you settle into this vibrant and fast-growing city.

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