($1,345) Moving from Washington DC to Lancaster

Quick answer: A move from Washington DC to Lancaster costs $1,773 to $7,947 and takes seven-twenty-one days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,651-mile move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Washington DC will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lancaster to Washington DC guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Washington DC to Lancaster moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Washington DC to Lancaster is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Washington DC to Lancaster.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Lancaster?

Washington DC movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,345 - $5,856 $1,442 - $3,701 $1,669 - $2,988
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,159 - $7,947 $2,638 - $5,337 $1,773 - $3,557
4+ bedrooms $7,745 - $12,309 $3,528 - $7,046 $2,241 - $4,274
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,651 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Lancaster

The cost of Washington DC movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Washington DC to Lancaster can be as low as $1,345 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,111.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,669 to $4,186. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Washington DC to Lancaster?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Lancaster will cost between $1,345 to $5,856. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,159 to $7,947, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Washington DC to Lancaster will cost from $7,745 to $12,309.

How much are moving container companies from Washington DC to Lancaster?

Moving containers from Washington DC to Lancaster will cost you $1,442 to $3,701 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,638 to $5,337. A larger home will cost $3,528 to $7,046.

How much is a moving truck from Washington DC to Lancaster?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,669 to $2,988. A larger move will cost $1,773 to $3,557, and a four-bedroom move from Washington DC to Lancaster costs from $2,241 to $4,274. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Washington DC to Lancaster

Cost of living: Washington DC vs Lancaster

Washington DC Lancaster
Average rent cost $2,450 $2,637
Average home value $609,175 $449,181
Average income (per capita) $635,900 $73,027
Cost of Living (single person) $1,211 $2,506
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,423 $5,357
Unemployment rate 7.0% 15.6%
Sales Tax 6.0% 10.25%
State Income Tax 5.75% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Lancaster are 8% higher than in Washington DC.
  • Home prices in Lancaster are 26.3% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Lancaster is 88.5% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 106.9% higher than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 21.1% higher than in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 122.86% higher than in Washington DC.
  • Sales taxes in Lancaster are 70.83% higher than in Washington DC.
  • State income taxes in Lancaster are 131.30% higher than in Washington DC.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,208.09 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How is life different in Washington DC compared to Lancaster?

Lancaster Washington DC
Population 173,516 689,545
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 9
Walkability score 29 77
Bike friendliness score 40 70
Crime Index 45.91 46.45
Safety Index 54.09 41.16
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Lancaster's population is about 75% less than Washington DC.
  • Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Washington DC's lower score of 9.
  • Lancaster is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
  • Lancaster is less bike-friendly than Washington DC with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 70.
  • Lancaster's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 45.91 compared to Washington DC's 46.45. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45%.
  • Lancaster is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 54.09 vs Washington DC's 41.16.
  • Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Washington DC it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Lancaster

  • Weather: If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Lancaster. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Washington DC movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Bookstore Movers, LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD, 20781
(202) 570-4697
Gentle Giant Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
5782 2nd Street NE, Washington, MD, 20011
(202) 758-0213

Visit our best long distance movers in Washington DC page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Lancaster

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
  • BLVD Farmers’ Market
  • Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  • The Castle Roller Skating
  • Watch The Lancaster Jethawks In Action
  • Civic Musical Road
  • Visit famous filming locations
  • The Boeing Plaza – Aerospace Walk Of Honor
  • Bex Bar & Grill
  • Kinetic Brewing

Get your sports on!

Lancaster is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Lancaster?

The best time to move from Washington DC to Lancaster is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Washington DC.

When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Lancaster?

Because most people are moving from Washington DC to Lancaster in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Washington DC to Lancaster take?

The 2,651-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Lancaster, CA, takes seven-twenty-one days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lancaster.

Helpful moving resources