Key factors that impact the cost of your Lancaster to Spokane movetoggle

The cost of Lancaster movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Lancaster to Spokane (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,429, while larger moves may reach $8,775 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Lancaster.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $888 to $2,152, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lancaster to Spokane

Moving from Lancaster to Spokane comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Spokane is generally more expensive than Lancaster, itโ€™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:

Lancaster Spokane
Average rent cost $2,600 $1,450
Average home value $473,053 $375,614
Average income (per capita) $74,723 $60,801
Cost of living (single person) $2,540 $2,556
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,562 $6,270
Unemployment rate 15.6% 6.6%
Sales tax 10.25% 9.0%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Spokane are 44% 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 Spokane.
    Home prices in Spokane are 20.6% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Income in Spokane is 18.6% lower than in Lancaster, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Spokane include Key Tronic, URM Stores, and Empire Health Centers Group.
  • The cost of living for a single person is the same in Spokane and Lancaster. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Spokane, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Spokane is 12.7% higher than in Lancaster.
  • The unemployment rate in Spokane is 57.69% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Spokane, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Spokane are 12.20% lower than in Lancaster.
  • One perk of moving to Spokane is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Lancaster.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,018.90 in Spokane to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lancaster.

How life is different in Lancaster vs. Spokane

Spokane Lancaster
Population 593,466 173,516
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 0
Walkability score 49 29
Bike friendliness score 52 40
Crime Index 3.0 45.5
Safety Index 44.94 54.5
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Spokane is about 242% greater than Lancaster, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Spokane offers better access to buses and trains than Lancaster, based on public transportation ratings. Spokane has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 0 in Lancaster. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Spokane means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Lancaster. Spokane is considered more walkable than Lancaster, with a score of 49 out of 100 versus 29 out of 100 in Lancaster. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Spokane is considered more bike-friendly than Lancaster in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Spokane has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, while Lancaster is rated as 40 out of 100.
  • Spokane has a lower crime rate than Lancaster based on scores of 3.0 and Lancaster's 45.5, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Spokane. With a crime index of 44.94, Spokane ranks lower in overall safety than Lancaster, whose index is Lancaster's 54.5. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Spokane and Lancaster is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Lancaster vs. Spokane move

  • Weather: it is advisable to plan your trips to Spokane, WA between the months of August, July and September as these months have more favorable weather.
  • 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Washington 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 Spokane. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Spokane

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hooptown USA", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Spokane.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Airway Heights
  • Cheney
  • Medical Lake
  • Country Homes
  • Fairwood

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Liberty Lake
  • Country Homes
  • Medical Lake
  • Spokane
  • Millwood

Things to do in Spokane

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

  • Arts and culture: Spokane features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Campbell House, Mobius Discovery Center, Jundt Art Gallery, Avenue West Gallery, and Honor Point Military and Aerospace Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Manito Park, Spokane Falls, Riverfront Park, and Centennial Trail 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 Spokane Chiefs (Ice hockey), Spokane Indians (Baseball), USL1 Spokane (Soccer) USL League One (men) USL W League (women), or Spokane Shadow (Soccer) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lancaster to Spokane are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lancaster are lower.

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

With many people choosing to move from Lancaster to Spokane in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Lancaster to Spokane take?

Moving from Lancaster, CA to Spokane, WA covers 1,141 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Lancaster movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Spokane.

Helpful moving resources