Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,633–$10,117 for a move from Ann Arbor to Lancaster, with most moves taking six to 17 days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 2,222 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lancaster to Ann Arbor guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Ann Arbor to Lancaster
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Ann Arbor to Lancaster can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to CA move
Local moving companies in Ann Arbor
- Handle With Care Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Glass City Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 359936
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 808976
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 36269
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2582190
Alternate Names: Wondermove
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 1403449
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1403449
Alternate Names: Glass City Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Ann Arbor to Lancaster?
Ann Arbor movers charge $100 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 | $1,645 - $6,323 | $1,546 - $3,833 | $1,618 - $3,066 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,287 - $10,117 | $2,669 - $5,292 | $1,633 - $3,685 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,893 - $14,198 | $3,662 - $7,162 | $2,127 - $4,384 |
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to California
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Michigan to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,645 and $6,323. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,287 to $10,117 for the trip from MI to CA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $8,893 and $14,198.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to California
If you're moving from Michigan to California, expect to pay between $1,546 and $3,833 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,669 up to $5,292. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,662 and $7,162. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to California
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,618 and $3,066. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,633 and $3,685. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,127 and $4,384.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Ann Arbor to Lancaster move
What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Lancaster
Moving from Ann Arbor to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, 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:
| Ann Arbor | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,260 | $2,600 |
| Average home value | $474,909 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,176 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,344 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 15% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- Home prices are the same in Lancaster and Ann Arbor.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in Lancaster, where incomes are, on average, 11.6% higher than in Ann Arbor. 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 16.7% higher than in Ann Arbor. 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 4.1% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 345.71% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- 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 Ann Arbor.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 212.94% higher than in Ann Arbor.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,501.84 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Lancaster
| Lancaster | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 123,851 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 71 |
| Crime Index | 45.5 | 31.0 |
| Safety Index | 54.5 | 79.18 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Lancaster's population is about 40% greater than Ann Arbor.
- Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
- Lancaster has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
- Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 45.5 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
- Lancaster is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 54.5 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
- Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Lancaster Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
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
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Lancaster has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Lancaster, such as 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Lancaster?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Ann Arbor to Lancaster are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Ann Arbor. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Lancaster?
Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor to Lancaster in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Ann Arbor to Lancaster take?
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Lancaster, CA covers 2,222 miles and usually takes six to 17 days Need to move faster? Some Ann Arbor movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Lancaster.
