Moving from Santa Ana to Lancaster, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Lancaster costs between $133 to $4,956 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 100-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Santa Ana to Lancaster
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Santa Ana to Lancaster are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Santa Ana 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 100 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,327 - $3,626 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,005 - $1,909 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $132 - $217 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Best Fit Movers | $75/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 Santa Ana to Lancaster?
It costs between $133 to $4,956 to move from Santa Ana to Lancaster. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $731 - $4,956
- Moving containers: $832 - $2,316
- Rental trucks: $133 - $250
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $731 - $3,035 | $832 - $1,392 | $133 - $180 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,327 - $3,626 | $1,005 - $1,909 | $132 - $217 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,806 - $4,956 | $1,405 - $2,316 | $148 - $250 |
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 | $495 - $4,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $330 - $1,320 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $83 - $330 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Santa Ana to Lancaster
At 100 miles, your Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana to Lancaster. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 100 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Santa Ana to Lancaster. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lancaster to Santa Ana guide.
Considerations when moving from Santa Ana to Lancaster
Cost of living: Santa Ana vs. Lancaster
When weighing the cost of living in Santa Ana versus Lancaster, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Lancaster really compares to Santa Ana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Ana | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,650 | $2,600 |
| Average home cost | $657,015 | $400,712 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,354 | $76,083 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,333 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,160 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 15.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.25% | 10.25% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are similar to those in Santa Ana, so your housing budget won’t change much, making your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Lancaster are 39% lower than in Santa Ana. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Lancaster is 14% lower than in Santa Ana, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in Lancaster is 60% cheaper for one person compared to Santa Ana. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Lancaster, you’ll find that the cost of living is 50% lower than in Santa Ana. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Lancaster is 123% higher than in Santa Ana. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are 11% higher in Lancaster than in Santa Ana. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Santa Ana, you’d need about $1,200 in Lancaster.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Lancaster
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Santa Ana and Lancaster. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Santa Ana | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 173,516 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 58-38 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 98ºF |
| Winter low | 47ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 8" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 45.5 |
Lancaster sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Lancaster is approximately 44% lower than the population of Santa Ana. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Santa Ana and Lancaster leaned Democratic.
- Lancaster regularly records highs near 98°F, compared to Santa Ana at 82°F. Relocating here means more intense summers and greater focus on cooling and comfort.
- In the coldest months, Lancaster is colder than Santa Ana, with winter lows of 31°F versus Santa Ana’s 47°F.
- Both Santa Ana and Lancaster receive similar amounts of rain annually—Santa Ana gets about 13 inches, while Lancaster sees around 8 inches each year.
- Santa Ana 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 offers more peace of mind than Santa Ana, with a lower crime index of 45.5 versus 54.17.
Things to do in Lancaster
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Lancaster has it all.
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 Santa Ana to Lancaster?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Santa Ana to Lancaster, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $634 and $2,833. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,327 up to $3,626. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,806 to $4,956 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Ana to Lancaster?
Moving containers from Santa Ana to Lancaster will cost you $549 to $1,333 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,005 to $1,909. A larger home will cost $1,405 to $2,316.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Ana to Lancaster?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $120 to $196. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $132 and $217. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Santa Ana to Lancaster, costs usually fall between $148 and $250.
How far in advance should I book Santa Ana-to-Lancaster movers?
To make your move from Santa Ana to Lancaster as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lancaster?
For the best deals on your move to Lancaster, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
