($1,444) Movers From McKinney, TX to Lancaster, CA

What to know before moving from McKinney to Lancaster

Moving from McKinney to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than McKinney, 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:

• Rent prices in Lancaster are 13% higher than in McKinney, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Lancaster.
  Home prices in Lancaster are 6.6% lower than in McKinney.
• Income in Lancaster is 12.8% higher than in McKinney, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top 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 13.8% higher than in McKinney. 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 14.1% higher than in McKinney.
• The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 160.00% higher than in McKinney.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lancaster, since the city’s sales taxes in Lancaster are 24.24% higher than in McKinney.
• State income taxes in Lancaster are 13.30% higher than in McKinney.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,413.98 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in McKinney.

How life is different in McKinney vs. Lancaster

• Lancaster's population is about 11% less than McKinney.
• Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus McKinney's higher score of 1.
• Lancaster and McKinney are similarily walkable.
• Both Lancaster and McKinney have the same bike-friendliness score of 42 out of 100, meaning Lancaster is about as safe for cyclists as McKinney. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Lancaster's crime rate is higher than McKinney with a score of 45.5 compared to McKinney's 21.48. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McKinney neighborhoods are safer than 21.48%.
• Lancaster is considered to be less safe than McKinney with a score of 54.5 vs McKinney's 78.52.
• Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in McKinney it's good.

Other things to consider for your McKinney 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

With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Lancaster.

Helpful moving resources