Quick answer: A move from Richmond to Lancaster costs $2,050–$9,092 and takes seven to 21 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 2,599-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lancaster to Richmond 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 Richmond to Lancaster
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Richmond to go to Lancaster can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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 VA to CA move
Local moving companies servicing Richmond to Lancaster moves
When planning a move from Richmond to Lancaster, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Richmond who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Richmond to Lancaster.
- Mr. Moving, LLC: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- On The Fly Moving Guys: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- D1 Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3511853
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3511853
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3865625
DOT #: 3865625
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 822633
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving and Storage of Richmond
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2430443
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3013397
Alternate Names: Division I Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Richmond to Lancaster?
Richmond movers charge $100 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 | $1,573 - $6,033 | $1,648 - $3,976 | $1,731 - $3,422 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,577 - $9,092 | $2,986 - $6,465 | $2,050 - $4,115 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,187 - $14,358 | $3,990 - $8,881 | $2,517 - $4,895 |
Cost to hire movers from Virginia to California
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Virginia to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,573 and $6,033. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,577 to $9,092 for the trip from VA to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $8,187 and $14,358.
Cost of moving containers from Virginia to California
Moving containers from Virginia to California will cost you $1,648 to $3,976 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,986 to $6,465. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,990 to $8,881. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia 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 $3,422. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $2,050 to $4,115. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,517 and $4,895.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Richmond to Lancaster
What to know before moving from Richmond to Lancaster
Moving from Richmond to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Richmond, 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:
Richmond | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,595 | $2,600 |
Average home value | $350,897 | $473,053 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,606 | $74,723 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,270 | $2,540 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,336 | $5,562 |
Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 15.6% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 63% higher than in Richmond.
- The home prices in Lancaster are 34.8% higher than in Richmond, 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, 25.4% higher than in Richmond. 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 11.9% higher than in Richmond. 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 4.2% higher than in Richmond.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 119.72% higher than in Richmond.
- 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 Richmond.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 131.30% higher than in Richmond.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,356.83 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Richmond.
How life is different in Richmond vs. Lancaster
Lancaster | Richmond | |
---|---|---|
Population | 173,516 | 226,610 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 7 |
Walkability score | 29 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 51 |
Crime Index | 45.5 | 48.45 |
Safety Index | 54.5 | 51.55 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster's population is about 23% less than Richmond.
- Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Richmond's higher score of 7.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Richmond with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Richmond's 51 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 Richmond, which has a score of 51 out of 100.
- Lancaster and Richmond have a similar crime rate.
- Lancaster and Richmond are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Richmond it's good.
Other things to consider for your Richmond 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Lancaster without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Lancaster
Now that you've decided to make the move to , these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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 Richmond to Lancaster?
The best time to move from Richmond to Lancaster is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Richmond.
When is the cheapest time to move from Richmond to Lancaster?
With many people choosing to move from Richmond 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 Richmond to Lancaster take?
The 2,599-mile move from Richmond, VA, to Lancaster, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Richmond movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lancaster.