($1,208) Cost to Move From Harrisburg, PA to Lancaster, CA

1. Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. Spirit Moving Company LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
3. The Armstrong Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Keystone Moving and Junk Removal: 4.28 out of 5 stars
5. Maya’s Movers LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Harrisburg to Lancaster

When planning a move to Lancaster from Harrisburg, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,208 and $5,073. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,621 and $7,043 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,011 to $10,791.

Cost of moving containers from Harrisburg to Lancaster

When you’re heading from Harrisburg to Lancaster, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,343 and $3,441. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,242 and $4,815. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,317 to $6,886. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Pennsylvania easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Harrisburg to Lancaster

A moving rental truck from Harrisburg to Lancaster is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,425 to $2,788. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,481 to $3,319, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Harrisburg to Lancaster costs around $1,970 to $4,030.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 117% more expensive in Lancaster than in Harrisburg. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 106% steeper in Lancaster compared to Harrisburg.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Lancaster and Harrisburg are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Lancaster, with the cost of living for a single person being 37% more than in Harrisburg. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Lancaster, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 54% higher than in Harrisburg.
• Lancaster has a higher unemployment rate than Harrisburg by about 16%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes in Lancaster surpass those in Harrisburg by 71%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 333% more in California than in Pennsylvania. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Lancaster’s population is about 246% greater than Harrisburg.
• Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Harrisburg scores 6 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Harrisburg.
• Lancaster is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Harrisburg’s 68 out of 100.
• Lancaster has a bike-friendliness score of 40 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Harrisburg, which has a score of 57.
• Lancaster’s crime rate is lower than Harrisburg with a score of 45.5 compared to Harrisburg’s 64.18. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
• Lancaster is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 54.5 vs Harrisburg’s 35.82.
• Air quality in Lancaster is Good, and in Harrisburg it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Costs across Harrisburg and Lancaster are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Lancaster. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Lancaster. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.