Factors that influence moving costs from Mobile to Lancastertoggle

The cost of Mobile movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Mobile to Lancaster might cost as little as $1,548, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $12,575.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Mobile, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,336 to $3,717. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Mobile to Lancaster

Moving from Mobile to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Mobile, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Mobile Lancaster
Average rent cost $1,300 $2,600
Average home value $186,159 $473,053
Average income (per capita) $61,962 $74,723
Cost of living (single person) $1,825 $2,540
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,104 $5,562
Unemployment rate 6.2% 15.6%
Sales tax 10.0% 10.25%
State income tax 5.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Lancaster are 100% higher than in Mobile, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
    Home prices in Lancaster are 154.1% higher than in Mobile.
  • Income in Lancaster is 20.6% higher than in Mobile, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lancaster, since the cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 39.2% higher than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Lancaster, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 35.5% higher than in Mobile.
  • The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 151.61% higher than in Mobile.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lancaster, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Lancaster are 2.50% higher than in Mobile.
  • State income taxes in Lancaster are 166.00% higher than in Mobile.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,175.34 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mobile.

How life is different in Mobile vs. Lancaster

Lancaster Mobile
Population 173,516 187,041
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 3
Walkability score 29 32
Bike friendliness score 40 34
Crime Index 45.5 64.95
Safety Index 54.5 35.05
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lancaster's population is about 7% less than Mobile.
  • Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Mobile's higher score of 3.
  • Lancaster and Mobile are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 40 out of 100, Lancaster is more bike-friendly than Mobile, which has a score of 34 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 Mobile with a score of 45.5 compared to Mobile's 64.95. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95%.
  • Lancaster is considered to be safer than Mobile with a safety index of 54.5 vs Mobile's 35.05.
  • Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Mobile it's good.

Other things to consider for your Mobile 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 โ€œT 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 youโ€™re settled into your new home in California, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Lancaster has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s 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 cityโ€™s 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 Mobile to Lancaster?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Mobile to Lancaster. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Mobile.

When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Lancaster?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Mobile 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 Mobile to Lancaster take?

The 2,036-mile journey from Mobile, AL to Lancaster, CA typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Mobile 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.

Helpful moving resources