Quick answer: A move from Pittsburgh to Lancaster costs $1,871–$8,691 and takes seven to 18 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,409-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lancaster to Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to Lancaster
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Pittsburgh to Lancaster can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
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 PA to CA move
Local moving companies in Pittsburgh
- Bellhop Moving: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8922932
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 345157
Alternate Names: Exclusive Services, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 98045
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00121505
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00108945
Years in Business: 103
DOT #: 947009
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh to Lancaster?
Pittsburgh movers charge $75 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 | $1,592 - $6,401 | $1,595 - $4,043 | $1,679 - $3,312 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,337 - $8,691 | $2,948 - $5,589 | $1,871 - $3,982 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,742 - $14,147 | $3,782 - $8,066 | $2,318 - $4,976 |
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Pennsylvania to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,592 and $6,401. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,337 to $8,691 for the trip from PA to CA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $7,742 and $14,147.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California
Moving containers from Pennsylvania to California will cost you $1,595 to $4,043 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,948 to $5,589. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,782 to $8,066. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of 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 $1,679 and $3,312. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,871 to $3,982. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,318 and $4,976.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Pittsburgh to Lancaster move
What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Lancaster
Moving from Pittsburgh to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Pittsburgh , 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:
Pittsburgh | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,500 | $2,600 |
Average home value | $222,451 | $473,053 |
Average income (per capita) | $54,306 | $74,723 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,129 | $2,540 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,011 | $5,562 |
Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 15.6% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 73% higher than in Pittsburgh .
- The home prices in Lancaster are 112.7% higher than in Pittsburgh , 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, 37.6% higher than in Pittsburgh . 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 19.3% higher than in Pittsburgh . 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 11.0% higher than in Pittsburgh .
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 119.72% higher than in Pittsburgh .
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Lancaster, since its sales taxes are 46.43% higher than what you are paying in Pittsburgh .
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 333.22% higher than in Pittsburgh .
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,579.15 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Pittsburgh .
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Lancaster
Lancaster | Pittsburgh | |
---|---|---|
Population | 173,516 | 303,255 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 8 |
Walkability score | 29 | 62 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 55 |
Crime Index | 45.5 | 37.74 |
Safety Index | 54.5 | 62.26 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster's population is about 43% less than Pittsburgh .
- Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Pittsburgh 's higher score of 8.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Pittsburgh with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh 's 62 out of 100.
- Lancaster has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Pittsburgh , which has a score of 55 out of 100.
- Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Pittsburgh with a score of 45.5 compared to Pittsburgh 's 37.74. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74%.
- Lancaster is considered to be less safe than Pittsburgh with a score of 54.5 vs Pittsburgh 's 62.26.
- Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Pittsburgh it's good.
Other things to consider for your Pittsburgh 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
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
Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore Lancaster From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Lancaster, such as 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Lancaster?
The best time to move from Pittsburgh to Lancaster is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Pittsburgh .
When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to Lancaster?
With many people choosing to move from Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to Lancaster take?
The 2,409-mile move from Pittsburgh , PA, to Lancaster, CA, takes seven to 18 days. Some Pittsburgh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lancaster.