Factors that influence moving costs from Billings to Lancaster
What to know before moving from Billings to Lancaster
Moving from Billings to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Billings, itโs 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:
Billings | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,300 | $2,600 |
Average home value | $381,592 | $473,053 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,515 | $74,723 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,773 | $2,540 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,536 | $5,562 |
Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 15.6% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 6.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are 100% higher than in Billings, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Billings.
Home prices in Lancaster are 24.0% higher than in Billings. - Income in Lancaster is 17.6% higher than in Billings, 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 43.3% higher than in Billings. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Lancaster, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 22.6% higher than in Billings.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 280.49% higher than in Billings.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lancaster, since the cityโs sales taxes in Lancaster are 10.25% higher than in Billings.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 97.04% higher than in Billings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,297.80 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Billings.
How life is different in Billings vs. Lancaster
Lancaster | Billings | |
---|---|---|
Population | 173,516 | 184,167 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 3 |
Walkability score | 29 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 47 |
Crime Index | 45.5 | 48.63 |
Safety Index | 54.5 | 50.37 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster's population is about 6% less than Billings.
- Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Billings's higher score of 3.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Billings with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Billings's 35 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 Billings, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
- Lancaster and Billings have a similar crime rate.
- Lancaster is considered to be safer than Billings with a safety index of 54.5 vs Billings's 50.37.
- Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Billings it's good.
Other things to consider for your Billings 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: California doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Lancaster. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lancaster
Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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 settling into your new California home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lancaster has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- 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 cityโs Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park โ among other sites โ 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 Billings to Lancaster?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Billings to Lancaster. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Billings.
When is the cheapest time to move from Billings to Lancaster?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Billings to Lancaster, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Billings to Lancaster take?
The 1,219-mile journey from Billings, MT to Lancaster, CA typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Billings 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.