Yes, its a good change. I do some climbing in the black hills of SD and I put a 34t on when I am there and I am very pleased I do. Its not huge but you can sure feel the difference and its just more enjoyable with a little bit better gearing for hard climbs....this is my observation though.

FWIW I do put the 36 back on when not in a hilly area but that is most of the time anymore.