Factors that influence moving costs from Winston-Salem to Lancaster
What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to Lancaster
Moving from Winston-Salem to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Winston-Salem, 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:
Winston-Salem | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,300 | $2,600 |
Average home value | $248,806 | $473,053 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,431 | $74,723 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,420 | $2,540 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,265 | $5,562 |
Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 15.6% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are 100% higher than in Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem.
Home prices in Lancaster are 90.1% higher than in Winston-Salem. - Income in Lancaster is 19.7% higher than in Winston-Salem, 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 5.0% higher than in Winston-Salem. 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 5.6% higher than in Winston-Salem.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 200.00% higher than in Winston-Salem.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lancaster, since the cityโs sales taxes in Lancaster are 46.43% higher than in Winston-Salem.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 195.56% higher than in Winston-Salem.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,148.76 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Lancaster
Lancaster | Winston-Salem | |
---|---|---|
Population | 173,516 | 249,545 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 3 |
Walkability score | 29 | 22 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 29 |
Crime Index | 45.5 | 32.67 |
Safety Index | 54.5 | 67.33 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster's population is about 30% less than Winston-Salem.
- Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Winston-Salem's higher score of 3.
- Lancaster is more walkable than Winston-Salem with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Winston-Salem's 22 out of 100.
- With a score of 40 out of 100, Lancaster is more bike-friendly than Winston-Salem, which has a score of 29 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Winston-Salem with a score of 45.5 compared to Winston-Salem's 32.67. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67%.
- Lancaster is considered to be less safe than Winston-Salem with a score of 54.5 vs Winston-Salem's 67.33.
- Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Winston-Salem it's good.
Other things to consider for your Winston-Salem 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 regulationsโsome 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 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in California, though it\โs 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 youโve 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 getting comfortable in your new California home, itโs time to see what Lancaster is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- 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 cityโs Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park โ 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 Winston-Salem to Lancaster?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Winston-Salem to Lancaster. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Winston-Salem.
When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to Lancaster?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem to Lancaster take?
The 2,422-mile journey from Winston-Salem, NC to Lancaster, CA typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Winston-Salem 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.