Moving from Sacramento to Lancaster, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Sacramento to Lancaster costs between $397 to $7,917 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 366-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Sacramento to Lancaster
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Sacramento to Lancaster are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Sacramento 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 366 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,066 - $5,963 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,373 - $2,673 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $436 - $842 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Two Men and a Truck Moving | $130/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 Sacramento to Lancaster?
It costs between $397 to $7,917 to move from Sacramento to Lancaster. The prices below break down your 366-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,222 - $7,917
- Moving containers: $1,031 - $3,237
- Rental trucks: $397 - $1,071
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,222 - $4,215 | $1,031 - $1,941 | $397 - $785 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,066 - $5,963 | $1,373 - $2,673 | $436 - $842 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,443 - $7,917 | $1,799 - $3,237 | $518 - $1,071 |
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 | $381 - $3,175+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $130/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $254 - $1,016 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $64 - $254 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Sacramento to Lancaster
At 366 miles, your Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Lancaster. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 366 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Double Move is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Sacramento to Lancaster. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 98.5% of their 203 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lancaster to Sacramento guide.
Considerations when moving from Sacramento to Lancaster
Cost of living: Sacramento vs. Lancaster
The cost of living in Sacramento 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 Sacramento.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Sacramento | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,899 | $2,600 |
| Average home cost | $483,739 | $400,712 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,753 | $76,083 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,656 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,191 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 15.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 10.25% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are 37% higher than in Sacramento. 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 17% lower than in Sacramento, 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 9% lower than in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento 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.
- The living costs for a family of four are 10% lower in Lancaster than in Sacramento. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Lancaster is 103% higher than in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Sacramento, expect to budget around $2,880 to maintain the same lifestyle in Lancaster.
How life is different in Sacramento vs. Lancaster
As you plan your move, comparing life in Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Lancaster to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Sacramento | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,943 | 173,516 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 58-38 |
| Summer high | 93ºF | 98ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 20" | 8" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 49.21 | 45.5 |
Lancaster sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Lancaster is about 67% less populated than Sacramento. 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 Sacramento and Lancaster siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Lancaster and Sacramento 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 Sacramento, which only goes down to 39°F.
- Get ready for wetter weather in Sacramento, which sees about 20 inches of rain each year—that’s more than the 8 inches you’ll typically get annually in Lancaster.
- Sacramento 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 has a lower crime rate than Sacramento, with a crime index of 45.5 vs 49.21.
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 Sacramento to Lancaster?
Moving your furniture from Sacramento to Lancaster with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,234 to $3,838. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $2,066 and $5,963. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $3,443 to $7,917 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Sacramento to Lancaster?
If you’re moving from Sacramento 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 $758 to $1,759. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,373 and $2,673. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,799 to $3,237.
How much is a moving truck from Sacramento 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 $425 and $740. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $436 to $842. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Sacramento to Lancaster, rental prices generally fall between $518 and $1,071.
How far in advance should I book Sacramento-to-Lancaster movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Sacramento 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 Sacramento-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.
