Moving from Riverside to Lancaster, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Lancaster costs between $95 to $4,601 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 86-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Riverside to Lancaster
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Riverside to Lancaster are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Riverside 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 86 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,216 - $3,688 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $879 - $1,750 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $108 - $185 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Burgess Moving and Storage | $75/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 Riverside to Lancaster?
It costs between $95 to $4,601 to move from Riverside to Lancaster. The prices below break down your 86-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $655 - $4,601
- Moving containers: $689 - $1,951
- Rental trucks: $95 - $192
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $655 - $3,194 | $689 - $1,194 | $95 - $145 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,216 - $3,688 | $879 - $1,750 | $108 - $185 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,662 - $4,601 | $1,192 - $1,951 | $134 - $192 |
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 | $393 - $3,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $262 - $1,048 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $66 - $262 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Riverside to Lancaster
At 86 miles, your Riverside 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 Riverside to Lancaster. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 86 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Riverside 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 Riverside guide.
Considerations when moving from Riverside to Lancaster
Cost of living: Riverside vs. Lancaster
The cost of living in Riverside vs. Lancaster goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Lancaster stacks up against Riverside.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Riverside | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,295 | $2,600 |
| Average home cost | $539,898 | $400,712 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,575 | $76,083 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 15.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 10.25% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are 13% higher than in Riverside. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Lancaster are 26% lower than in Riverside, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Lancaster is 14% lower than in Riverside. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- If you’re moving from Riverside to Lancaster, you’ll find that everyday costs are pretty much the same. As long as your income stays steady, your budget shouldn’t take a hit after the move.
- You can expect the cost of living in Lancaster to be about the same as it was in Riverside, so your budget shouldn’t take much of a hit after the move.
- Unemployment in Lancaster is 120% higher than in Riverside. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- In Lancaster, sales taxes are 17% higher than in Riverside. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Riverside, expect to budget around $2,970 to maintain the same lifestyle in Lancaster.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Lancaster
As you plan your move, comparing life in Riverside vs. Lancaster is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Riverside and Lancaster to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Riverside | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 173,516 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 58-38 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 98ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 8" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 45.5 |
Lancaster sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Lancaster is about 45% less populated than Riverside. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Riverside and Lancaster siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Lancaster and Riverside are nearly identical, with averages around 98°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- In the coldest months, Lancaster drops to 31°F—colder than Riverside, which only goes down to 42°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Riverside to Lancaster. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 11 inches in Riverside and 8 inches in Lancaster.
- Riverside 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.
- Crime rates are higher in Lancaster, with an index of 45.5, compared to Riverside at 40.24.
Things to do in Lancaster
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Lancaster has something for everyone.
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 Riverside to Lancaster?
Moving your furniture from Riverside to Lancaster with a professional moving company usually ranges from $582 to $2,713. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,216 and $3,688. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,662 to $4,601 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Riverside to Lancaster?
If you’re moving from Riverside to Lancaster and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $472 to $1,138. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $879 and $1,750. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,192 to $1,951.
How much is a moving truck from Riverside to Lancaster?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $104 and $151. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $108 to $185. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Riverside to Lancaster, rental prices generally fall between $134 and $192.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-Lancaster movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Riverside to Lancaster at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Riverside-to-Lancaster movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lancaster?
If you want to save money on your move to Lancaster, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
