($1,676) Movers From Birmingham, AL to Lancaster, CA

What to know before moving from Birmingham to Lancaster

Moving from Birmingham to Lancaster means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Birmingham than in Lancaster, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Birmingham compares to Lancaster so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Lancaster are 108% higher than in Birmingham, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
  Home prices in Lancaster are 275.5% higher than in Birmingham.
• Income in Lancaster is 89.6% higher than in Birmingham, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Lancaster include Antelope Valley Hospital, Antelope Valley Union High School District, and Lancaster School District.
• The cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 5.8% lower than in Birmingham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 17.3% lower than in Birmingham.
• The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 178.57% higher than in Birmingham.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lancaster, since the city’s sales taxes in Lancaster are 2.50% higher than in Birmingham.
• State income taxes in Lancaster are 166.00% higher than in Birmingham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,825.36 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Birmingham.

How life is different in Birmingham vs. Lancaster

• Lancaster's population is about 12% less than Birmingham.
• Lancaster's public transportation has a similar score to Birmingham.
• Lancaster is less walkable than Birmingham with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Birmingham's 33 out of 100.
• With a score of 40 out of 100, Lancaster is more bike-friendly than Birmingham, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Lancaster's crime rate is lower than Birmingham with a score of 45.5 compared to Birmingham's 61.64. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
• Lancaster is considered to be safer than Birmingham with a safety index of 54.5 vs Birmingham's 38.36.
• Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Birmingham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Birmingham vs. Lancaster move

• Weather: If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

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.

Helpful moving resources