($1,454) Movers From Des Moines, IA to Lancaster, CA

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Lancaster

Moving from Des Moines to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Des Moines, it’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:

• Rent prices in Lancaster are 126% higher than in Des Moines, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
  Home prices in Lancaster are 145.9% higher than in Des Moines.
• Income in Lancaster is 27.7% higher than in Des Moines, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Lancaster include Antelope Valley Hospital, Antelope Valley Union High School District, and Lancaster School District.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lancaster, since the cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 34.3% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Lancaster, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 27.0% higher than in Des Moines.
• The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 164.41% higher than in Des Moines.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lancaster, since the city’s sales taxes in Lancaster are 46.43% higher than in Des Moines.
• State income taxes in Lancaster are 202.27% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,029.61 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Lancaster

• Lancaster's population is about 75% less than Des Moines.
• Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
• Lancaster is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
• Both Lancaster and Des Moines have the same bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, meaning Lancaster is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 45.5 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Lancaster and Des Moines are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Lancaster move

• Weather: If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
• 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: California 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 Lancaster. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Lancaster

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

Helpful moving resources