Best overall value
Local moving companies in Raleigh
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Inexperienced movers
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 2261
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
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 2894
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2461529
Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 2548
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Inexperienced movers
- Rushed job
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that impact the cost of your Raleigh to Lancaster move
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Lancaster
Moving from Raleigh to Lancaster means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Raleigh than in Lancaster, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Raleigh compares to Lancaster so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Raleigh | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,670 | $2,600 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,077 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,077 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 56% higher than in Raleigh.
- The home prices in Lancaster are 9.6% higher than in Raleigh, 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, 2,805.2% higher than in Raleigh. 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 58.2% lower than in Raleigh.
- 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 8.5% less than what it costs in Raleigh.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 262.79% higher than in Raleigh.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Lancaster, since its sales taxes are 41.38% higher than what you are paying in Raleigh.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 195.56% higher than in Raleigh.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,253.91 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Lancaster
| Lancaster | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 467,665 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 39 |
| Crime Index | 45.5 | 38.87 |
| Safety Index | 54.5 | 60.13 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Lancaster's population is about 63% less than Raleigh.
- Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Raleigh's higher score of 4.
- Lancaster and Raleigh are similarily walkable.
- Both Lancaster and Raleigh have the same bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, meaning Lancaster is about as safe for cyclists as Raleigh. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 45.5 compared to Raleigh's 38.87. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Lancaster is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 54.5 vs Raleigh's 60.13.
- Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Raleigh it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh 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 “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. 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't require moving permits, but it's 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. You'll 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 – 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
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: 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 Raleigh to Lancaster?
The best time to move from Raleigh to Lancaster is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Raleigh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Lancaster?
With many people choosing to move from Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Lancaster take?
The 2,535-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Lancaster, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Raleigh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lancaster.
