Moving from Lancaster to Ontario, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Lancaster to Ontario costs between $98 to $4,378 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 85-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Lancaster to Ontario
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Lancaster to Ontario are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Lancaster to driving and unloading in Ontario, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 85 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,240 - $3,580 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $933 - $1,733 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $108 - $178 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gentlemen's Moving Company | $100/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Lancaster to Ontario?
It costs between $98 to $4,378 to move from Lancaster to Ontario. The prices below break down your 85-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $635 - $4,378
- Moving containers: $675 - $2,134
- Rental trucks: $98 - $188
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $635 - $3,164 | $675 - $1,158 | $98 - $151 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,240 - $3,580 | $933 - $1,733 | $108 - $178 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,611 - $4,378 | $1,123 - $2,134 | $131 - $188 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $486 - $4,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $324 - $1,296 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $81 - $324 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Lancaster to Ontario
At 85 miles, your Lancaster to Ontario move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Lancaster to Ontario. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 85 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Lancaster to Ontario. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ontario to Lancaster guide.
Considerations when moving from Lancaster to Ontario
Cost of living: Lancaster vs. Ontario
Comparing life in Lancaster and Ontario goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Ontario stacks up against Lancaster.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lancaster | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,600 | $2,619 |
| Average home cost | $400,712 | $564,076 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,083 | $82,806 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,540 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,562 | $5,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 6.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Ontario are comparable to Lancaster, so your budget should stay about the same, taking some stress off your wallet.
- Home prices in Ontario are 41% higher than in Lancaster. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Ontario is 9% higher than in Lancaster, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- If you're moving from Lancaster to Ontario, you'll find that everyday costs are pretty much the same. As long as your income stays steady, the move shouldn't have much of an impact on your budget.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Ontario and Lancaster. This means your family's financial situation probably won’t change significantly with the move.
- The unemployment rate in Ontario is 56% lower than in Lancaster, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- In Ontario, sales taxes are 15% lower than in Lancaster, which means your budget for dining, shopping, and household purchases may stretch further.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Lancaster, you’d need roughly $2,910 to maintain the same lifestyle in Ontario.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Ontario
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Ontario compared to Lancaster. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Lancaster | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 175,265 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-38 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 98ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 8" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 45.5 | 50.25 |
Ontario sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from Lancaster to Ontario might seem straightforward since both cities are similarly sized, but don’t let that fool you. The real differences lie in each city's atmosphere, job market, layout, and living costs. Those are the things you’ll really feel.
- Lancaster and Ontario both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summers in Ontario average 92°F, while Lancaster reaches 98°F. Expect more comfortable summers and lower cooling costs in your new city.
- In the coldest months, Lancaster sees lower temperatures than Ontario, dropping to 31°F while Ontario only falls to 43°F.
- Ontario sees more rain each year than Lancaster, averaging about 16 inches annually, while Lancaster gets only 8 inches.
- Ontario has no annual snowfall, while Lancaster averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- Crime is higher in Ontario (50.25) than in Lancaster (45.5).
Things to do in Ontario
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Ontario.
Museums in Ontario
- Museum of History and Art, Ontario
Parks in Ontario
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Sports teams in Ontario
- Ontario Reign (Hockey)
- Ontario Professional Baseball (Dodgers Affiliate - 2026)
Universities in Ontario
- University of La Verne
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Lancaster to Ontario?
Shipping furniture from Lancaster to Ontario with a mover will cost between $576 and $2,661. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,240–$3,580, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Lancaster to Ontario will cost from $1,611–$4,378.
How much are moving container companies from Lancaster to Ontario?
If you're moving from Lancaster to Ontario and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $477 to $1,172. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $933 and $1,733. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,123 up to $2,134.
How much is a moving truck from Lancaster to Ontario?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $98 and $146. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $108 to $178. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Lancaster to Ontario, truck rental prices typically range from $131 up to $188.
How far in advance should I book Lancaster-to-Ontario movers?
For a smooth move from Lancaster to Ontario, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Ontario?
To score the best moving deals to Ontario, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
