($1,195) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Lancaster, CA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Lancaster

When planning a move to Lancaster from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,195 and $4,976. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,932 and $7,256 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,408 to $10,022.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Lancaster

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Lancaster, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,002 and $2,571. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,825 and $3,945. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,514 to $4,934. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Lancaster

A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Lancaster is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $934 to $1,924. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,105 to $2,244, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Lancaster costs around $1,379 to $2,745.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• 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.

• 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.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Lancaster are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• 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.

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.