Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to Lancastertoggle

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Raleigh to Lancaster can be as low as $1,480 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,646.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Raleigh, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,790 to $4,440. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Lancaster

Raleigh Lancaster
Average rent cost $1,670 $2,600
Average home value $431,795 $473,053
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $74,723
Cost of living (single person) $6,077 $2,540
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $5,562
Unemployment rate 4.3% 15.6%
Sales tax 7.25% 10.25%
State income tax 4.5% 13.3%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Lancaster are 56% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Home prices in Lancaster are 9.6% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Income in Lancaster is 2,805.2% higher than in Raleigh.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 58.2% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 8.5% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 262.79% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Sales taxes in Lancaster are 41.38% higher than in Raleigh.
  • State income taxes in Lancaster are 195.56% higher than in Raleigh.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,253.91 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Lancaster

Lancaster Raleigh
Population 173,516 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 4
Walkability score 29 31
Bike friendliness score 40 39
Crime Index 45.5 38.87
Safety Index 54.5 60.13
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Lancaster's population is about 63% less than Raleigh.
  • Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Raleigh's lower score of 4.
  • Lancaster is less walkable than Raleigh with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 31 out of 100.
  • With a score of 40 out of 100, Lancaster is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 45.5 compared to Raleigh's 38.87. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
  • Lancaster is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 54.5 vs Raleigh's 60.13.
  • Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Raleigh it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh 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 โ€œT Numberโ€ 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.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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 โ€“ 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

Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Lancaster.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Downtown Lancaster
  • Central Lancaster
  • East Lancaster
  • College Terrace
  • Skytower Park

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Quartz Hill
  • West Lancaster
  • Rancho Vista
  • Brentwood
  • El Dorado

Things to do in Lancastertoggle

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lancaster has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • 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 cityโ€™s Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Lancaster?

The best time to move from Raleigh to Lancaster is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Raleigh.

When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Lancaster?

Because most people are moving from Raleigh to Lancaster in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Raleigh to Lancaster take?

The 2,535-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Lancaster, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Raleigh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lancaster.

Helpful moving resources

Raleigh moving services

Popular North Carolina routes

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