Top Harrisburg, PA to Lancaster, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lancaster to Harrisburg guide.

1. Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. The Armstrong Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
3. Spirit Moving Company LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
4. Charles E. Groff & Sons, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. Maya's Movers LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California

Planning a move from Pennsylvania to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,637 and $6,677. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,354 and $9,560 for the same journey (PA to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,614 to $14,514.

Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California

If you're relocating from Pennsylvania to California, you'll typically spend between $1,766 and $4,227 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,926 up to $5,967. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $4,073 and $8,711. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to California

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,731 and $3,318. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,971 to $3,949. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,344 and $5,048.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 117% higher than in Harrisburg.
• The home prices in Lancaster are 105.6% higher than in Harrisburg, 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, 2.0% higher than in Harrisburg. 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 37.4% higher than in Harrisburg. 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 54.0% higher than in Harrisburg.
• The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 16.42% higher than in Harrisburg.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Lancaster, since its sales taxes are 70.83% higher than what you are paying in Harrisburg.
• State income taxes in Lancaster are 333.22% higher than in Harrisburg.

• The population of Lancaster is about 246% greater than Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg. Lancaster has a public transportation score of 0 out of 10, whereas Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg. Based on its score of 29 out of 100, Lancaster isn't as walkable as Harrisburg, which has a score of 68 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 Harrisburg. While Harrisburg has a bike-friendliness score of 57 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 Harrisburg based on scores of 45.5 and Harrisburg's 64.18, 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 Harrisburg, based on Lancaster's safety index of 54.5 versus 35.82 for Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg. Lancaster has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Harrisburg. 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.

• 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.

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 features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.