Moving from Fontana to Lancaster, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Fontana to Lancaster costs between $84 to $4,318 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 74-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fontana to Lancaster
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fontana to Lancaster are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fontana to driving and unloading in Lancaster, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 74 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,202 - $3,657 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $861 - $1,619 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $94 - $167 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Trek Movers | $110/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Fontana to Lancaster?
It costs between $84 to $4,318 to move from Fontana to Lancaster. The prices below break down your 74-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $600 - $4,318
- Moving containers: $608 - $1,931
- Rental trucks: $84 - $172
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $600 - $2,966 | $608 - $1,073 | $84 - $140 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,202 - $3,657 | $861 - $1,619 | $94 - $167 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,600 - $4,318 | $1,100 - $1,931 | $113 - $172 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $357 - $2,975+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $238 - $952 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $60 - $238 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fontana to Lancaster
At 74 miles, your Fontana to Lancaster move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Fontana to Lancaster. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 74 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fontana to Lancaster. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lancaster to Fontana guide.
Considerations when moving from Fontana to Lancaster
Cost of living: Fontana vs. Lancaster
When weighing the cost of living in Fontana versus Lancaster, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Lancaster really compares to Fontana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fontana | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,000 | $2,600 |
| Average home cost | $554,802 | $400,712 |
| Average income (per capita) | $98,187 | $76,083 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,972 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,875 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 15.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 10.25% |
- Rent in Lancaster is around 13% less expensive than in Fontana, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Lancaster are 28% lower than in Fontana. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Lancaster is 23% lower than in Fontana, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in Lancaster is 15% cheaper for one person compared to Fontana. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Lancaster, you’ll find that the cost of living is 19% lower than in Fontana. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Lancaster is 105% higher than in Fontana. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are 32% higher in Lancaster than in Fontana. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Fontana, you’d need about $2,550 in Lancaster.
How life is different in Fontana vs. Lancaster
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Fontana and Lancaster. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Fontana | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,704 | 173,516 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 58-38 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 98ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 8" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 31.65 | 45.5 |
Lancaster sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Lancaster is approximately 18% lower than the population of Fontana. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Fontana and Lancaster leaned Democratic.
- In Lancaster and Fontana, summer highs run about the same — 98°F vs. 94°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, Lancaster is colder than Fontana, with winter lows of 31°F versus Fontana’s 43°F.
- Fontana usually sees more rain than Lancaster, with about 14 inches of rainfall each year compared to Lancaster’s 8 inches.
- Fontana sees no annual snowfall, while Lancaster averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Lancaster reports a higher crime index than Fontana, with scores of 45.5 and 31.65, respectively.
Things to do in Lancaster
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Lancaster has it all.
Museums in Lancaster
- Lancaster Museum of Art & History
- Western Hotel Museum
- Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours
Parks in Lancaster
- Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
- Apollo Community Regional Park
- Saddleback Butte State Park
- Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
- Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park
Sports teams in Lancaster
Universities in Lancaster
- Antelope Valley College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fontana to Lancaster?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Fontana to Lancaster, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $527 and $2,450. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,202 up to $3,657. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,600 to $4,318 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Fontana to Lancaster?
Moving containers from Fontana to Lancaster will cost you $446 to $1,005 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $861 to $1,619. A larger home will cost $1,100 to $1,931.
How much is a moving truck from Fontana to Lancaster?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $85 to $140. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $94 and $167. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Fontana to Lancaster, costs usually fall between $113 and $172.
How far in advance should I book Fontana-to-Lancaster movers?
To make your move from Fontana to Lancaster as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lancaster?
For the best deals on your move to Lancaster, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
