($1,271) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Lancaster, CA

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Lancaster

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Lancaster, you can expect to spend between $1,271 and $4,708. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,368 to $6,917 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Lancaster typically runs between $5,814 and $10,811.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Lancaster

When moving from Chicago to Lancaster, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,103 and $2,757. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,126 to $3,955. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,773 up to $5,728. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Lancaster

Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Lancaster. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,154 and $2,182. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,200 and $2,466. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,545 and $3,116.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Lancaster, note that rent can be roughly 27% more expensive than it is in Chicago; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 60% higher in Lancaster than in Chicago.
• The average income in Lancaster and Chicago is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Lancaster, where the cost of living for a single person is 30% less than in Chicago.
• Moving to Lancaster could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 40% less than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 73% higher compared to Chicago, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are similar in Lancaster and Chicago (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are 169% higher in California compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Lancaster’s population is about 94% less than Chicago.
• Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Chicago scores 9 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Chicago.
• Lancaster is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Lancaster has a bike-friendliness score of 40 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Lancaster’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 45.5 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Lancaster is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 54.5 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Lancaster is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Lancaster smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Lancaster is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Lancaster offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.