Factors that influence moving costs from Chapel Hill to Lancastertoggle

The cost of Chapel Hill movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Chapel Hill to Lancaster might cost as little as $1,448, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $11,852.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Chapel Hill, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,591 to $4,061. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Lancaster

Moving from Chapel Hill to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Chapel Hill, itโ€™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:

Chapel Hill Lancaster
Average rent cost $1,950 $2,600
Average home value $592,460 $473,053
Average income (per capita) $65,621 $74,723
Cost of living (single person) $2,248 $2,540
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,790 $5,562
Unemployment rate 3.2% 15.6%
Sales tax 7.5% 10.25%
State income tax 4.5% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Lancaster are 33% higher than in Chapel Hill, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lancaster.
    Home prices in Lancaster are 20.2% lower than in Chapel Hill.
  • Income in Lancaster is 13.9% higher than in Chapel Hill, 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 13.0% higher than in Chapel Hill. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 16.1% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 387.50% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lancaster, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Lancaster are 36.67% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • State income taxes in Lancaster are 195.56% higher than in Chapel Hill.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,389.68 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chapel Hill.

How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Lancaster

Lancaster Chapel Hill
Population 173,516 63,764
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 6
Walkability score 29 34
Bike friendliness score 40 50
Crime Index 45.5 26.42
Safety Index 54.5 73.58
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Lancaster's population is about 172% greater than Chapel Hill.
  • Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Chapel Hill's higher score of 6.
  • Lancaster is less walkable than Chapel Hill with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Chapel Hill's 34 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 Chapel Hill, which has a score of 50 out of 100.
  • Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Chapel Hill with a score of 45.5 compared to Chapel Hill's 26.42. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42%.
  • Lancaster is considered to be less safe than Chapel Hill with a score of 54.5 vs Chapel Hill's 73.58.
  • Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Chapel Hill it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill 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 regulationsโ€”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 โ€œT 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in California, though it\โ€™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 toLancaster 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 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Lancaster

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lancaster to check out.

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, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lancaster has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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 Chapel Hill to Lancaster?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chapel Hill to Lancaster. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chapel Hill.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to Lancaster?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill to Lancaster take?

The 2,498-mile journey from Chapel Hill, NC to Lancaster, CA typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Chapel Hill 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.

Helpful moving resources