Factors that influence moving costs from Huntsville to Lancaster
What to know before moving from Huntsville to Lancaster
Moving from Huntsville to Lancaster means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Huntsville than in Lancaster, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Huntsville compares to Lancaster so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Huntsville | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,409 | $2,600 |
Average home value | $266,736 | $473,053 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,959 | $74,723 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,133 | $2,540 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,140 | $5,562 |
Unemployment rate | 3.1% | 15.6% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 5.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are 85% higher than in Huntsville, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Huntsville.
Home prices in Lancaster are 77.3% higher than in Huntsville. - Income in Lancaster is 22.6% higher than in Huntsville, 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 18.9% lower than in Huntsville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Lancaster, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 34.3% higher than in Huntsville.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 403.23% higher than in Huntsville.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lancaster, since the cityโs sales taxes in Lancaster are 13.89% higher than in Huntsville.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 166.00% higher than in Huntsville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,432.17 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Huntsville.
How life is different in Huntsville vs. Lancaster
Lancaster | Huntsville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 173,516 | 241,114 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 2 |
Walkability score | 29 | 24 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 40 |
Crime Index | 45.5 | 42.55 |
Safety Index | 54.5 | 57.45 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster's population is about 28% less than Huntsville.
- Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Huntsville's higher score of 2.
- Lancaster is more walkable than Huntsville with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Huntsville's 24 out of 100.
- Both Lancaster and Huntsville have the same bike-friendliness score of 40 out of 100, meaning Lancaster is about as safe for cyclists as Huntsville. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Lancaster and Huntsville have a similar crime rate.
- Lancaster and Huntsville are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Huntsville it's good.
Other things to consider for your Huntsville 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 โT Numberโ 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 โ 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.
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 youโre settled into your new home in California, itโs time to get out and discover what Lancaster has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Lancaster features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Lancaster?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Huntsville to Lancaster. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Huntsville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Huntsville to Lancaster?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Huntsville 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 Huntsville to Lancaster take?
The 1,989-mile journey from Huntsville, AL to Lancaster, CA typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Huntsville offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lancaster.