Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Grand Rapids to Lancaster ranges from $1,733 to $9,604 and the journey will take approximately six to 17 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 2,159-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lancaster to Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Lancaster
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Grand Rapids to go to Lancaster can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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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 Grand Rapids
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Premier Relocations, LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC, Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 34172
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1890987
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems - Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1150201
Alternate Names: Mayflower
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids to Lancaster?
Grand Rapids movers charge $120 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 | $1,661 - $6,259 | $1,496 - $3,892 | $1,555 - $2,826 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,388 - $9,604 | $2,526 - $5,602 | $1,733 - $3,576 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,737 - $14,640 | $3,613 - $7,428 | $2,168 - $4,295 |
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 $1,661 and $6,259. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,388 to $9,604 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 $8,737 and $14,640.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to California
When you’re heading from Michigan to California, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,496 and $3,892. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,526 and $5,602. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,613 to $7,428. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan 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 $1,555 and $2,826 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,733 to $3,576. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $2,168 to $4,295.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Grand Rapids to Lancaster move
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Lancaster
Moving from Grand Rapids to Lancaster means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Grand Rapids than in Lancaster, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Lancaster so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Grand Rapids | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,659 | $2,600 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 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 57% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- The home prices in Lancaster are 44.1% higher than in Grand Rapids, 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, 18.0% higher than in Grand Rapids. Major employers in Lancaster include Antelope Valley Hospital, Antelope Valley Union High School District, and Lancaster School District.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Lancaster. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 52.4% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- A move to Lancaster can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 22.3% less than what it costs in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 262.79% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- 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 Grand Rapids.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 212.94% higher than in Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,428.84 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Lancaster
| Lancaster | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 198,893 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 45.5 | 44.23 |
| Safety Index | 54.5 | 55.77 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 13% less than Grand Rapids.
- Getting around Lancaster without a car might be more difficult than in Grand Rapids. Lancaster has a public transportation score of 0 out of 10, whereas Grand Rapids is ranked 6. 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 Grand Rapids. Based on its score of 29 out of 100, Lancaster isn't as walkable as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 56 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 Grand Rapids. While Grand Rapids has a bike-friendliness score of 52 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.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Lancaster as Grand Rapids. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
- Lancaster is generally as safe as Grand Rapids, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Lancaster and Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids 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: Lancaster is home to museums and cultural arts 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Lancaster?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Grand Rapids to Lancaster You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Lancaster?
Because spring and fall moves from Grand Rapids to Lancaster are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Lancaster take?
The 2,159-mile journey from Grand Rapids, MI to Lancaster, CA, typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Grand Rapids offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lancaster.
