Des Moines, IA to Lancaster, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Lancaster typically costs $3,400–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,666 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Lancaster
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Lancaster, CA typically costs $3,400–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,666-mile move from Des Moines to Lancaster, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,964 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $6,067 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $3,519 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 20, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 22, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 26, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Lancaster
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Lancaster may only cost $2,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,800.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,100–$3,200), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Lancaster, CA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Lancaster movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Lancaster
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Lancaster. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IA→CA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Lancaster
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Lancaster runs about 34% higher for singles and 27% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,540 in Lancaster versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,562 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,305 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 126% more expensive in Lancaster than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 146% steeper in Lancaster compared to Des Moines.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 28% greater in Lancaster than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Lancaster, with the cost of living for a single person being 34% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Lancaster, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 27% higher than in Des Moines.
- Lancaster has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 164%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Lancaster surpass those in Des Moines by 46%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 202% more in California than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Lancaster:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $225.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $2.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $5.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Lancaster, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Lancaster.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Lancaster.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Lancaster.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Lancaster.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Lancaster.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Lancaster.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Lancaster
| Des Moines | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 173,516 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 40 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 45.5 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 54.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster's population is about 75% less than Des Moines.
- Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Des Moines scores 5 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Des Moines.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- Both Lancaster and Des Moines have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 40), meaning Lancaster is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 45.5 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Lancaster is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 54.5 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Lancaster is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Lancaster move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Lancaster
With your sights set on , these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Lancaster.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Lancaster
- Central Lancaster
- East Lancaster
- College Terrace
- Skytower Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Quartz Hill
- West Lancaster
- Rancho Vista
- Brentwood
- El Dorado
Things to do in Lancaster
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Lancaster. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Lancaster is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Lancaster?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Lancaster. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Lancaster?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Lancaster? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Lancaster take?
The 1,666-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Lancaster, CA, takes four to 15 days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lancaster.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
