Memphis, TN to Lancaster, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Memphis to Lancaster typically costs $3,600–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,775 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Memphis to Lancaster
Moving from Memphis, TN to Lancaster, CA typically costs $3,600–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,775-mile move from Memphis to Lancaster, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,582 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $4,351 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,058 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 03, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 26, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 12, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 29, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 29, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Memphis to Lancaster
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,700, but larger homes can run up to $11,700.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Memphis.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,200–$3,400) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Lancaster, CA to Memphis, TN guide.
Best Memphis to Lancaster movers by type
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Best professional movers from Memphis to Lancaster
For a stress-free interstate move from Memphis to Lancaster, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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 TN→CA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 71 Tennessee moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Memphis to Lancaster
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Lancaster runs about 38% higher for singles and 26% higher for families than Memphis.
Singles spend around $2,540 in Lancaster versus $1,842 in Memphis; families pay $5,562 compared with $4,402.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Memphis | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,187 | $2,305 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,571 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $143,715 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,842 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,402 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.75% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Lancaster, note that rent can be roughly 100% more expensive than it is in Memphis; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 229% higher in Lancaster than in Memphis.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 55% higher in Lancaster compared to Memphis, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Lancaster, since the cost of living for a single person is 38% more than in Memphis. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Lancaster, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 26% more than it is in Memphis.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 95% higher compared to Memphis, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are similar in Lancaster and Memphis (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- California has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Memphis with Lancaster:
| Living Expense | Memphis | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $213.78 | $225.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.88 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $2.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.83 | $5.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.67 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Memphis than in Lancaster, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Memphis than in Lancaster.
- Eggs cost more in Memphis than in Lancaster.
- Bread costs less in Memphis than in Lancaster.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Memphis than in Lancaster.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Memphis than in Lancaster.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Memphis than in Lancaster.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Lancaster
| Memphis | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 173,516 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 40 |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 45.5 |
| Safety index | 22.51 | 54.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster's population is about 73% less than Memphis.
- Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Memphis scores 4 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Memphis.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Memphis with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Memphis's 35 out of 100.
- Both Lancaster and Memphis have similar bike-friendliness scores (41 vs 40), meaning Lancaster is about as safe for cyclists as Memphis. 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 lower than Memphis with a score of 45.5 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
- Lancaster is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 54.5 vs Memphis's 22.51.
- Air quality in Lancaster is Good, and in Memphis it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Memphis to Lancaster move
- 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.
Where to live in Lancaster
Now that you've chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lancaster to check out.
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Lancaster?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Memphis to Lancaster are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Memphis are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Lancaster?
Because spring and fall moves from Memphis to Lancaster are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Memphis to Lancaster take?
A move of 1,775 miles from Memphis, TN to Lancaster, CA generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Memphis sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Lancaster is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Memphis offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 7 movers in Memphis have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 5 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TN, there are 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
