Moving from Oakland to Lancaster, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Oakland to Lancaster costs between $409 to $8,397 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 352-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Oakland to Lancaster
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Oakland to Lancaster are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Oakland to driving and unloading in Lancaster, 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 352 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,025 - $6,021 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,359 - $2,465 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $427 - $869 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $147/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 Oakland to Lancaster?
It costs between $409 to $8,397 to move from Oakland to Lancaster. The prices below break down your 352-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,299 - $8,397
- Moving containers: $1,084 - $3,270
- Rental trucks: $409 - $1,029
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,299 - $4,481 | $1,084 - $1,809 | $409 - $740 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,025 - $6,021 | $1,359 - $2,465 | $427 - $869 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,279 - $8,397 | $1,745 - $3,270 | $524 - $1,029 |
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 | $588 - $4,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $147/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $392 - $1,568 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $98 - $392 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Oakland to Lancaster
At 352 miles, your Oakland to Lancaster 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 Oakland to Lancaster. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 352 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Oakland to Lancaster. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 86.9% of their 634 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lancaster to Oakland guide.
Considerations when moving from Oakland to Lancaster
Cost of living: Oakland vs. Lancaster
The cost of living in Oakland vs. Lancaster isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Lancaster compares to what you’re used to in Oakland.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Oakland | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,200 | $2,600 |
| Average home cost | $925,411 | $400,712 |
| Average income (per capita) | $97,369 | $76,083 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,146 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,584 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 15.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.25% | 10.25% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are 18% higher than in Oakland, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Lancaster are 57% lower than in Oakland. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Lancaster is 22% lower than in Oakland, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 19% lower than in Oakland, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 35% lower in Lancaster than in Oakland. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 247% higher than in Oakland. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Lancaster and Oakland, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Oakland, you’ll need about $2,430 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Lancaster.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Lancaster
Before you move, check out how life in Lancaster measures up to Oakland. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Oakland | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 173,516 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 58-38 |
| Summer high | 72ºF | 98ºF |
| Winter low | 44ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 24" | 8" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 45.5 |
Lancaster sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Lancaster has roughly 61% fewer people than Oakland. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- During the last presidential election, both Oakland and Lancaster supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer temperatures in Lancaster can reach 98°F, hotter than Oakland at 72°F. Expect warmer days, higher cooling bills, and adjustments to your daily routine.
- During the chilliest part of the year, Lancaster is colder than Oakland, reaching a low of 31°F while Oakland only dips to 44°F.
- Expect wetter weather in Oakland, where it averages 24 inches of rain annually—more than the 8 inches you’ll see each year in Lancaster.
- Oakland sees no annual snowfall, while Lancaster averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Lancaster posts a lower crime rate than Oakland, with a crime index of 45.5 compared to Oakland’s 68.62.
Things to do in Lancaster
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Lancaster has plenty to offer:
Museums in Lancaster
- Lancaster Museum of Art & History
- Western Hotel Museum
- Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours
Parks in Lancaster
- Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
- Apollo Community Regional Park
- Saddleback Butte State Park
- Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
- Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park
Sports teams in Lancaster
Universities in Lancaster
- Antelope Valley College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Oakland to Lancaster?
Shipping furniture from Oakland to Lancaster with a moving company typically costs between $1,222 and $3,545. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $2,025 to $6,021. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $3,279 and $8,397 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Oakland to Lancaster?
If you’re planning a move from Oakland to Lancaster and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $773 and $1,867. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,359 to $2,465. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,745 to $3,270.
How much is a moving truck from Oakland to Lancaster?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $409 and $777. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $427 and $869. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Oakland to Lancaster, truck rentals usually range from $524 up to $1,029.
How far in advance should I book Oakland-to-Lancaster movers?
To make your move from Oakland to Lancaster as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lancaster?
The cheapest time of year to move to Lancaster is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
