Quick answer: For a 2,627-mile move from Baltimore to Lancaster, expect to spend around $1,907–$8,946 and seven to 21 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lancaster to Baltimore guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Baltimore to Lancaster
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Baltimore to Lancaster isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MD to CA move
Find trusted moving companies for your Baltimore to Lancaster journey
Organizing a move from Baltimore to Lancaster can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Baltimore known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Baltimore to Lancaster.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Von Paris Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Orly Moving Systems, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Advance Relocation Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 133
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Von Paris Moving & Storage, Inc., Von Paris Moving & Storage, B Von Paris Moving & Storage, Commercial Relocation Systems, CRS
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 32
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 59
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Advance Storage Movers, Advance Corporation, Advance Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Baltimore to Lancaster?
Baltimore movers charge $110 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,455 - $6,388 | $1,634 - $4,406 | $1,760 - $3,623 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,351 - $8,946 | $2,960 - $6,296 | $1,907 - $4,356 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,434 - $13,573 | $4,247 - $9,001 | $2,384 - $5,397 |
Cost to hire movers from Maryland to California
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Maryland to California, you can expect to spend between $1,455 and $6,388. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,351 to $8,946 on the same route (MD to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Maryland to California typically runs between $8,434 and $13,573.
Cost of moving containers from Maryland to California
If you're relocating from Maryland to California, you'll typically spend between $1,634 and $4,406 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,960 up to $6,296. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $4,247 and $9,001. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Maryland to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,760 and $3,623 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,907 to $4,356. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,384 to $5,397.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Baltimore to Lancaster move
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Lancaster
Moving from Baltimore to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Baltimore, 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:
Baltimore | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $2,600 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $473,053 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $74,723 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $2,540 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $5,562 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 15.6% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 63% higher than in Baltimore.
- The home prices in Lancaster are 161.7% higher than in Baltimore, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Lancaster, where incomes are, on average, 28.1% higher than in Baltimore. Major 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 14.3% higher than in Baltimore. 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 9.3% higher than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 97.47% higher than in Baltimore.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Lancaster, since its sales taxes are 70.83% higher than what you are paying in Baltimore.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 131.30% higher than in Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,427.80 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Lancaster
Lancaster | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 173,516 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 8 |
Walkability score | 29 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 53 |
Crime Index | 45.5 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 54.5 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 70% less than Baltimore.
- Getting around Lancaster without a car might be more difficult than in Baltimore. Lancaster has a public transportation score of 0 out of 10, whereas Baltimore is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Lancaster neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Baltimore. Based on its score of 29 out of 100, Lancaster isn't as walkable as Baltimore, which has a score of 64 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Lancaster, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Baltimore. While Baltimore has a bike-friendliness score of 53 out of 100, Lancaster earned a 40. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Lancaster has a lower crime rate than Baltimore based on scores of 45.5 and Baltimore's 72.72, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Lancaster than in Baltimore, based on Lancaster's safety index of 54.5 versus 27.28 for Baltimore. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Lancaster and Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: 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.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Lancaster
- Central Lancaster
- East Lancaster
- College Terrace
- Skytower Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Quartz Hill
- West Lancaster
- Rancho Vista
- Brentwood
- El Dorado
Things to do in Lancaster
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Lancaster is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Lancaster include museums and art centers like the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Lancaster?
The best time to move from Baltimore to Lancaster is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Baltimore.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Lancaster?
With many people choosing to move from Baltimore to Lancaster 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 Baltimore to Lancaster take?
The 2,627-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Lancaster, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lancaster.