($1,319) Moving from Philadelphia to Lancaster

Quick answer: A move from Philadelphia to Lancaster costs $1,649 to $8,127 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 2,692-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia guide.

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The best Philadelphia to Lancaster moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Lancaster.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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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 Philadelphia to Lancaster?

Philadelphia movers charge $130 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 $1,319 - $5,701 $1,554 - $3,834 $1,683 - $3,262
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,135 - $8,127 $2,654 - $5,589 $1,649 - $3,809
4+ bedrooms $7,479 - $12,714 $3,731 - $7,689 $2,304 - $4,629
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,692 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 Philadelphia to Lancaster

The cost of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Lancaster can be as low as $1,319 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,081.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, 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 $1,683 to $4,262. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Philadelphia to Lancaster?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Lancaster will cost between $1,319 to $5,701. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,135 to $8,127, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Philadelphia to Lancaster will cost from $7,479 to $12,714.

How much are moving container companies from Philadelphia to Lancaster?

Moving containers from Philadelphia to Lancaster will cost you $1,554 to $3,834 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,654 to $5,589. A larger home will cost $3,731 to $7,689.

How much is a moving truck from Philadelphia 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 $1,683 to $3,262. A larger move will cost $1,649 to $3,809, and a four-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Lancaster costs from $2,304 to $4,629. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Philadelphia to Lancaster

Cost of living: Philadelphia vs Lancaster

Philadelphia Lancaster
Average rent cost $1,695 $2,637
Average home value $214,422 $449,181
Average income (per capita) $68,961 $73,027
Cost of Living (single person) $2,571 $2,506
Cost of Living (family of 4) $5,886 $5,357
Unemployment rate 10.6% 15.6%
Sales Tax 8.0% 10.25%
State Income Tax 3.07% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Lancaster are 56% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • Home prices in Lancaster are 109.5% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • Income in Lancaster is 5.9% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 2.5% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 9.0% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 47.17% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • Sales taxes in Lancaster are 28.13% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • State income taxes in Lancaster are 333.22% higher than in Philadelphia.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,924.15 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How is life different in Philadelphia compared to Lancaster?

Lancaster Philadelphia
Population 173,516 1,603,797
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 9
Walkability score 29 75
Bike friendliness score 40 67
Crime Index 45.91 34.66
Safety Index 54.09 34.1
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lancaster's population is about 89% less than Philadelphia.
  • Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's lower score of 9.
  • Lancaster is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
  • Lancaster is less bike-friendly than Philadelphia with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 67.
  • Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Philadelphia with a score of 45.91 compared to Philadelphia's 34.66. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 34.66%.
  • Lancaster is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 54.09 vs Philadelphia's 34.1.
  • Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.

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 Philadelphia movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Anchor Moving & Storage Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
8295 National Hwy Ste B, Pennsauken, NJ, 08110
(856) 787-9898
BR Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
1603 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19125
(215) 620-5796

Visit our best long distance movers in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Lancaster?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Lancaster?

Because most people are moving from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Lancaster take?

The 2,692-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Lancaster, CA, takes seven-twenty-one days. Some Philadelphia 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