Factors influencing moving costs from Lancaster to Baltimoretoggle

The cost of Lancaster movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Lancaster to Baltimore can be as low as $1,627 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,398.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lancaster, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,711 to $4,689. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lancaster to Baltimore

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

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

Lancaster Baltimore
Average rent cost $2,600 $1,600
Average home value $473,053 $180,790
Average income (per capita) $74,723 $58,349
Cost of living (single person) $2,540 $2,223
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,562 $5,088
Unemployment rate 15.6% 7.9%
Sales tax 10.25% 6.0%
State income tax 13.3% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Baltimore are 39% lower than in Lancaster, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
    Home prices in Baltimore are 61.8% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Income in Baltimore is 21.9% lower than in Lancaster, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Baltimore include Social Security Administration, Laureate International Universities, and Fitch Co.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Baltimore is 12.5% lower than in Lancaster. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Baltimore is 8.5% lower than in Lancaster.
  • The unemployment rate in Baltimore is 49.36% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Baltimore, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Baltimore are 41.46% lower than in Lancaster.
  • One perk of moving to Baltimore is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.77% lower than in Lancaster.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,625.59 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lancaster.

How life is different in Lancaster vs. Baltimore

Baltimore Lancaster
Population 585,708 173,516
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 0
Walkability score 64 29
Bike friendliness score 53 40
Crime Index 72.72 45.5
Safety Index 27.28 54.5
Air Quality Good Good
  • Baltimore's population is about 238% greater than Lancaster.
  • Baltimore's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Lancaster's lower score of 0.
  • Baltimore is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 64 out of 100 vs Lancaster's 29 out of 100.
  • With a score of 53 out of 100, Baltimore is more bike-friendly than Lancaster, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Baltimore's crime rate is higher than Lancaster with a score of 72.72 compared to Lancaster's 45.5. This means that Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5%.
  • Baltimore is considered to be less safe than Lancaster with a score of 27.28 vs Lancaster's 54.5.
  • Air quality in Baltimore is good, and in Lancaster it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lancaster vs. Baltimore move

  • Weather: Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
  • 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: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Maryland 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 Baltimore. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Baltimore

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Comeback Cit", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Baltimore.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Federal Hill
  • Fells Point
  • Mid-Town Belvedere
  • Mount Vernon
  • South Baltimore

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Catonsville
  • Mount Washington
  • Pikesville
  • Roland Park
  • Towson

Things to do in Baltimore

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Maryland, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Baltimore has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Baltimore features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, B&O Railroad Museum, and Baltimore Museum of Industry.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Leakin 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 Baltimore Orioles (MLB) and Baltimore Ravens (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Lancaster to Baltimore?

The best time to move from Lancaster to Baltimore is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lancaster.

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

Because most people are moving from Lancaster to Baltimore in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Lancaster to Baltimore take?

The 2,627-mile move from Lancaster, CA, to Baltimore, MD, takes seven to 21 days. Some Lancaster movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Baltimore.

Helpful moving resources