Quick answer: A typical 2,167-mile move from Dayton to Lancaster runs $1,666–$9,125 and takes six to 17 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 Dayton guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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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 Dayton to Lancaster
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Dayton to Lancaster isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your OH to CA move
Find trusted moving companies for your Dayton to Lancaster journey
Organizing a move from Dayton to Lancaster can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Dayton known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Dayton to Lancaster.
- American Way Van & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Lewis & Michael Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Mayberry's Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 00139517
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 76628
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 75
DOT #: 728239
Alternate Names: Lewis & Michael, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 80
DOT #: 81407
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 00606034
Years in Business: 108
DOT #: 1008646
Alternate Names: Lincoln Storage and Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Dayton to Lancaster?
Dayton movers charge $140 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 | $1,661 - $6,846 | $1,570 - $3,742 | $1,524 - $3,032 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,254 - $9,125 | $2,685 - $5,323 | $1,666 - $3,717 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,982 - $14,641 | $3,758 - $7,274 | $2,125 - $4,380 |
Cost to hire movers from Ohio to California
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Ohio to California typically costs between $1,661 and $6,846. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,254 and $9,125 when moving from OH to CA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Ohio to California, you're looking at costs ranging from $7,982 up to $14,641.
Cost of moving containers from Ohio to California
If you're moving from Ohio to California, expect to pay between $1,570 and $3,742 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,685 up to $5,323. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,758 and $7,274. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ohio 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 $1,524 and $3,032. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,666 and $3,717. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,125 and $4,380.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that influence moving costs from Dayton to Lancaster
What to know before moving from Dayton to Lancaster
Moving from Dayton to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Dayton, it'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:
| Dayton | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $925 | $2,600 |
| Average home value | $135,815 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,673 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,593 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,788 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 181% higher than in Dayton.
- The home prices in Lancaster are 248.3% higher than in Dayton, 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, 19.2% higher than in Dayton. Major 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 59.4% higher than in Dayton. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you'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 46.8% higher than in Dayton.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 129.41% higher than in Dayton.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Lancaster, since its sales taxes are 36.67% higher than what you are paying in Dayton.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 280.00% higher than in Dayton.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,783.43 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dayton.
How life is different in Dayton vs. Lancaster
| Lancaster | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 137,644 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 47 |
| Crime Index | 45.5 | 4.0 |
| Safety Index | 54.5 | 40.68 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Lancaster is about 26% greater than Dayton, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Lancaster without a car might be more difficult than in Dayton. Lancaster has a public transportation score of 0 out of 10, whereas Dayton is ranked 6. 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 Dayton. Based on its score of 29 out of 100, Lancaster isn't as walkable as Dayton, which has a score of 45 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 Dayton. While Dayton has a bike-friendliness score of 47 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.
- The crime rate in Lancaster is higher than in Dayton, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 45.5 in Lancaster, it is 4.0 in Dayton. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Lancaster than in Dayton, based on Lancaster's safety index of 54.5 versus 40.68 for Dayton. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Lancaster has better air quality than in Dayton. Lancaster has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Dayton. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Dayton 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
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 Dayton to Lancaster?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Dayton to Lancaster You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Dayton.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Lancaster?
Because spring and fall moves from Dayton to Lancaster are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Dayton to Lancaster take?
The 2,167-mile journey from Dayton, OH to Lancaster, CA, typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Dayton 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.