($1,263) Cost to Move From Philadelphia, PA to Lancaster, CA

1. Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
2. Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
5. Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to Lancaster

When planning a move to Lancaster from Philadelphia, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,263 and $5,346. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,620 and $7,399 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,084 to $11,004.

Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to Lancaster

When you’re heading from Philadelphia to Lancaster, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,348 and $3,356. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,440 and $4,989. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,364 to $6,659. 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 Philadelphia to Lancaster

A moving rental truck from Philadelphia 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 $1,429 to $2,943. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,677 to $3,503, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Philadelphia to Lancaster costs around $1,957 to $3,965.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 53% more expensive in Lancaster than in Philadelphia. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 118% steeper in Lancaster compared to Philadelphia.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 6% greater in Lancaster than in Philadelphia, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Lancaster and Philadelphia, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
• A move to Lancaster can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 10% lower compared to Philadelphia.
• Lancaster has a higher unemployment rate than Philadelphia by about 47%. 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 Philadelphia by 28%. 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 89% less than Philadelphia.
• Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Philadelphia scores 9 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Philadelphia.
• Lancaster is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Philadelphia’s 75 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 Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
• Lancaster’s crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 45.5 compared to Philadelphia’s 66.09. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
• Lancaster is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 54.5 vs Philadelphia’s 33.91.
• Air quality in Lancaster is Good, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Philadelphia 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.