Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Olympia to Lancaster typically costs $3,400–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,057 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Olympia to Lancaster
Moving from Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA typically costs $3,400–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,057-mile move from Olympia to Lancaster, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,957 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,906 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $5,208 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Olympia to Lancaster
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,800, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,300.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Olympia, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($800–$2,100) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Lancaster, CA to Olympia, WA guide.
Best Olympia to Lancaster movers by type
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Best professional movers from Olympia to Lancaster
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Olympia to Lancaster, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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
How we chose the best WA→CA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 94 Washington moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Olympia to Lancaster
Overall, Olympia and Lancaster land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,540 in Lancaster and $2,473 in Olympia, while families in Lancaster see $5,562 versus $5,391 in Olympia.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Olympia | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,675 | $2,305 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,817 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $508,798 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,492 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,473 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,391 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.4% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 37% higher in Lancaster compared to Olympia; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 7% less in Lancaster than in Olympia.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 12% higher in Lancaster than in Olympia, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Lancaster and Olympia, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Lancaster and Olympia, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- In Lancaster, the unemployment rate is approximately 179% higher than in Olympia, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 9% in Lancaster over Olympia, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- California has a state income tax, while Washington 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.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Olympia and Lancaster:
| Living Expense | Olympia | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $152.80 | $225.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.64 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $2.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.94 | $5.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $58.33 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Olympia than in Lancaster, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Olympia than in Lancaster.
- Eggs cost more in Olympia than in Lancaster.
- Bread costs less in Olympia than in Lancaster.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Olympia than in Lancaster.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Olympia than in Lancaster.
- Gym memberships cost more in Olympia than in Lancaster.
How life is different in Olympia vs. Lancaster
| Olympia | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,605 | 173,516 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 39 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 40 |
| Crime index | 27.95 | 45.5 |
| Safety index | 62.25 | 54.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster's population is about 212% greater than Olympia.
- Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Olympia scores 5 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Olympia.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Olympia with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Olympia's 39 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 Olympia, which has a score of 59.
- Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Olympia with a score of 45.5 compared to Olympia's 27.95. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95%.
- Lancaster is considered to be less safe than Olympia with a score of 54.5 vs Olympia's 62.25.
- Air quality in Lancaster is Good, and in Olympia it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Olympia to Lancaster move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Lancaster. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Lancaster
Now that you've decided to make the move to , these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Lancaster has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Lancaster, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Olympia to Lancaster?
The best time to move from Olympia to Lancaster is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Olympia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Olympia to Lancaster?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Olympia to Lancaster, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Olympia to Lancaster take?
Moving from Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA covers 1,057 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Olympia movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Lancaster.
Which movers in Olympia give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Olympia?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 26 movers in Olympia advertise piano moving expertise. 19 movers in Olympia provide antique moving services. State totals show 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.