Quick answer: A move from Montgomery to Lancaster costs $1,682–$10,149 and takes six to 17 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,100-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lancaster to Montgomery guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best Professional Movers from Montgomery to Lancaster
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Montgomery to go to Lancaster can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
How we chose the best moving companies for your AL to CA move
Local moving companies servicing Montgomery to Lancaster moves
When planning a move from Montgomery to Lancaster, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Montgomery who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Montgomery to Lancaster.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Admiral Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- McCorquodale Transfer: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- C & R Movers, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 457
Years in Business: 111
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World-Wide Moving, Inc., Coleman American Moving Services, Coleman World Group, LLC, Coleman Worldwide Moving, Covan Worldwide Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 1254788
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 3783
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 713589
Alternate Names: McCorquodale Transfer Warehouse Division
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4043
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2813027
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 18
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Montgomery to Lancaster?
Montgomery movers charge $133 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,643 - $6,776 | $1,520 - $3,505 | $1,464 - $2,912 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,621 - $10,149 | $2,543 - $5,302 | $1,682 - $3,535 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,834 - $14,336 | $3,525 - $7,091 | $2,144 - $4,459 |
Cost to hire movers from Alabama to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Alabama to California will cost between $1,643 and $6,776. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from AL to CA will range from $4,621 to $10,149, and a large move from Alabama to California will cost from $8,834 to $14,336.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to California
If you're relocating from Alabama to California, you'll typically spend between $1,520 and $3,505 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,543 up to $5,302. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,525 and $7,091. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to California
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,464 to $2,912. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,682 to $3,535, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Alabama to California costs around $2,144 to $4,459.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors influencing moving costs from Montgomery to Lancaster
What to know before moving from Montgomery to Lancaster
Moving from Montgomery to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Montgomery, it'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:
Montgomery | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,200 | $2,600 |
Average home value | $140,563 | $473,053 |
Average income (per capita) | $49,989 | $74,723 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,651 | $2,540 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,569 | $5,562 |
Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 15.6% |
Sales tax | 10.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 5.0% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 117% higher than in Montgomery.
- The home prices in Lancaster are 236.5% higher than in Montgomery, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Lancaster, where incomes are, on average, 49.5% higher than in Montgomery. Major 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 53.8% higher than in Montgomery. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you'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 55.8% higher than in Montgomery.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 168.97% higher than in Montgomery.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Lancaster, since its sales taxes are 2.50% higher than what you are paying in Montgomery.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 166.00% higher than in Montgomery.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,615.38 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Montgomery.
How life is different in Montgomery vs. Lancaster
Lancaster | Montgomery | |
---|---|---|
Population | 173,516 | 200,603 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 2 |
Walkability score | 29 | 26 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 33 |
Crime Index | 45.5 | 65.25 |
Safety Index | 54.5 | 34.75 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Lancaster might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 14% less than Montgomery.
- Getting around Lancaster without a car might be more difficult than in Montgomery. Lancaster has a public transportation score of 0 out of 10, whereas Montgomery is ranked 2. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- You'll find Lancaster to be about as walkable as Montgomery. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 29 and 26 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Lancaster is considered more bike-friendly than Montgomery in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Lancaster has a bike-friendliness score of 40 out of 100, while Montgomery is rated as 33 out of 100.
- Lancaster has a lower crime rate than Montgomery based on scores of 45.5 and Montgomery's 65.25, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Lancaster than in Montgomery, based on Lancaster's safety index of 54.5 versus 34.75 for Montgomery. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Lancaster has better air quality than in Montgomery. Lancaster has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Montgomery. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Montgomery 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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 check the status of a California moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Lancaster. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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
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: Lancaster is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Lancaster?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Montgomery to Lancaster. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Montgomery.
When is the cheapest time to move from Montgomery to Lancaster?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Montgomery 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 Montgomery to Lancaster take?
Covering 2,100 miles, the move from Montgomery, AL to Lancaster, CA typically takes six to 17 days. Some Montgomery movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Lancaster can help bridge the gap.