Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A typical 2,772-mile move from New York City to Lancaster runs $2,111–$8,398 and takes seven to 21 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lancaster to New York City 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 New York City to Lancaster
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from New York City to Lancaster can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
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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 NY to CA move
Local moving companies in New York City
- Roadway Moving : 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Dumbo Moving and Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Flatrate Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 38589
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1854436
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 36990
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 1543241
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 32557
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 488466
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 40244
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3066988
Alternate Names: Piece of Cake Moving & Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 648262
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 648262
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from New York City to Lancaster?
New York City movers charge $110 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 | $1,359 - $5,850 | $1,788 - $4,196 | $1,855 - $3,780 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,311 - $8,398 | $3,049 - $6,431 | $2,111 - $4,456 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,790 - $13,676 | $4,206 - $8,419 | $2,566 - $5,094 |
Cost to hire movers from New York to California
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New York to California typically costs between $1,359 and $5,850. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,311 and $8,398 when moving from NY to CA. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from New York to California, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,790 up to $13,676.
Cost of moving containers from New York to California
Moving from New York to California? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,788 and $4,196. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,049 to $6,431. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,206 up to $8,419. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to California
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,855 and $3,780. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $2,111 and $4,456. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,566 and $5,094.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that influence moving costs from New York City to Lancaster
What to know before moving from New York City to Lancaster
Moving from New York City to Lancaster means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in New York City than in Lancaster, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how New York City compares to Lancaster so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| New York City | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $4,340 | $2,600 |
| Average home value | $752,778 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,058 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,683 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $15,081 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.2% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are 40% lower than in New York City, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Lancaster.
Home prices in Lancaster are 37.2% lower than in New York City. - Income in Lancaster is 4.3% lower than in New York City, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Lancaster — including Antelope Valley Hospital, Antelope Valley Union High School District, and Lancaster School District — may pay more.
- 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 55.3% lower than in New York City.
- 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 63.1% less than what it costs in New York City.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 39.29% higher than in New York City.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Lancaster, since its sales taxes are 28.13% higher than what you are paying in New York City.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 22.02% higher than in New York City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,340.84 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New York City.
How life is different in New York City vs. Lancaster
| Lancaster | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 8,258,035 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 88 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 69 |
| Crime Index | 45.5 | 50.83 |
| Safety Index | 54.5 | 49.17 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 98% less than New York City.
- Getting around Lancaster without a car might be more difficult than in New York City. Lancaster has a public transportation score of 0 out of 10, whereas New York City is ranked 10. 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 New York City. Based on its score of 29 out of 100, Lancaster isn't as walkable as New York City, which has a score of 88 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 New York City. While New York City has a bike-friendliness score of 69 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.
- Lancaster has a lower crime rate than New York City based on scores of 45.5 and New York City's 50.83, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Lancaster than in New York City, based on Lancaster's safety index of 54.5 versus 49.17 for New York City. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Lancaster and New York City 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 New York City 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
Now that you'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 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 New York City to Lancaster?
The best time to move from New York City to Lancaster is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in New York City.
When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Lancaster?
With many people choosing to move from New York City 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 New York City to Lancaster take?
The 2,772-mile move from New York City, NY, to Lancaster, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some New York City movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lancaster.
