Moving from Santa Clarita to Lancaster, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Santa Clarita to Lancaster costs between $38 to $3,998 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 43-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Santa Clarita to Lancaster
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Santa Clarita to Lancaster are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Santa Clarita 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 43 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $762 - $2,550 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $399 - $1,155 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $46 - $121 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gentlemen's Moving Company | $125/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 Santa Clarita to Lancaster?
It costs between $38 to $3,998 to move from Santa Clarita to Lancaster. The prices below break down your 43-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $444 - $3,998
- Moving containers: $124 - $1,644
- Rental trucks: $38 - $147
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $444 - $1,308 | $124 - $855 | $38 - $95 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $762 - $2,550 | $399 - $1,155 | $46 - $121 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,264 - $3,998 | $832 - $1,644 | $61 - $147 |
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 | $486 - $4,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $125/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | $243 - $486/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $324 - $1,296 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $81 - $324 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Santa Clarita to Lancaster
At 43 miles, your Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita to Lancaster. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 43 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Santa Clarita to Lancaster. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lancaster to Santa Clarita guide.
Considerations when moving from Santa Clarita to Lancaster
Cost of living: Santa Clarita vs. Lancaster
The cost of living in Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Clarita | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,295 | $2,600 |
| Average home cost | $722,430 | $400,712 |
| Average income (per capita) | $119,926 | $76,083 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,290 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,722 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 15.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.5% | 10.25% |
- Rent in Lancaster is roughly 21% less expensive than in Santa Clarita. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Lancaster are 45% lower than in Santa Clarita, 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 37% lower than in Santa Clarita. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 23% lower than in Santa Clarita. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 17% lower in Lancaster than in Santa Clarita. 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 63% higher than in Santa Clarita. 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 8% higher than in Santa Clarita. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Santa Clarita, expect to budget around $2,310 to maintain the same lifestyle in Lancaster.
How life is different in Santa Clarita vs. Lancaster
As you plan your move, comparing life in Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Lancaster to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Santa Clarita | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 228,673 | 173,516 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 58-38 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 98ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 18" | 8" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 35.92 | 45.5 |
Lancaster sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Lancaster is about 24% less populated than Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita and Lancaster siding with the Democratic party.
- Lancaster summers peak around 98°F, noticeably warmer than Santa Clarita’s 89°F. A move here means adapting to stronger heat with lifestyle and budget changes.
- In the coldest months, Lancaster drops to 31°F—colder than Santa Clarita, which only goes down to 46°F.
- Get ready for wetter weather in Santa Clarita, which sees about 18 inches of rain each year—that’s more than the 8 inches you’ll typically get annually in Lancaster.
- Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita at 35.92.
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 Santa Clarita to Lancaster?
Moving your furniture from Santa Clarita to Lancaster with a professional moving company usually ranges from $340 to $1,109. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $762 and $2,550. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,264 to $3,998 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Clarita to Lancaster?
If you’re moving from Santa Clarita 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 $123 to $782. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $399 and $1,155. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $832 to $1,644.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Clarita 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 $38 and $99. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $46 to $121. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Santa Clarita to Lancaster, rental prices generally fall between $61 and $147.
How far in advance should I book Santa Clarita-to-Lancaster movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita-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.
