Moving from St. Louis, MO to Salt Lake City, UT
Relocating 1323 mi from St. Louis to Salt Lake City is a 23h 8m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1323 mi Β· 23h 8m by car Β· MO β IA β NE β WY β UT
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA β NE β WY β UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 40, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Columbia, Independence, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Salt Lake City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 100.868 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 79 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 123.311 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.1% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Salt Lake City +1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 49.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 17.7" |
Annual average temperatures in St. Louis (58.0Β°F) and Salt Lake City (55.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Salt Lake City averages 49.0 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, SALT LAKE TRIAD CTR, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 203,888 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $74,925 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.29 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.1% β $55,279 β $74,925 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Salt Lake City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 126,170 | $43,640 |
| Management Occupations | 69,550 | $106,250 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 66,590 | $43,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 64,620 | $69,990 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 62,830 | $40,320 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Utah
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Utah's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Salt Lake City averages 49.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Salt Lake City average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Utah after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Salt Lake City compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the Salt Lake City MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 803,800 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Salt Lake City, UT from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 1323 mi and the route typically takes 23h 8m via I 80 and US 40. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Salt Lake City more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Salt Lake City is 6.1% higher than St. Louis (100.868 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Salt Lake City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,925 in Salt Lake City vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 35.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Salt Lake City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1323 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Salt Lake City, UT.