Best Detroit to Lancaster Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Detroit to Lancaster and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,358 mile move from Michigan to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 15 Detroit to Lancaster moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Detroit compared to Lancaster. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Detroit to Lancaster Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc8.498.22Authorized For HHG
2Balance Detroit8.487.79Authorized For Property, HHG
3High Quality Moving Company8.248.5Authorized For Property, HHG
4Speedwell Transportation Inc.8.077.08Authorized For HHG
5Antelope Valley Van and Storage7.767.02Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Detroit to Lancaster?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,358 miles from Detroit, MI to Lancaster, CA will cost on average $3,786 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Detroit to Lancaster move is roughly $9,146. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,539300 ft³$8.46
1 Bedroom$3,786450 ft³$8.41
2 Bedrooms$6,273750 ft³$8.36
3 Bedrooms$9,1461100 ft³$8.31
4 Bedrooms$13,2231600 ft³$8.26
5+ Bedrooms$14,7861800 ft³$8.21
*Please note: These Michigan to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Michigan & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed MI to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Lancaster to Detroit guide.

Compare the 5 Best Detroit to Lancaster Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

G

Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc

Fabulous8.49/10
based on 337+ data points

11850 E Jefferson

Detroit, MI, 48214

About Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc

Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc is a full-service moving and storage company based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1985, the...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Corporate moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

279708 / 629575

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved28,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
B

Balance Detroit

Fabulous8.48/10
based on 63+ data points

Livonia, MI, 48150

About Balance Detroit

Located in Detroit, Balance Detroit is a reputable moving company offering a variety of services including white glove service, long-distance and...

Services

  • White Glove Service
  • Long Distance Moves
  • Small Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4059339 / 1539936

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved6,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
High Quality Moving Company Logo

High Quality Moving Company

Very Good8.24/10
based on 757+ data points

32401 W 8 Mile Rd

Livonia, MI, 48152

About High Quality Moving Company

High Quality Moving Company, based in Livonia, Michigan, has been serving the Detroit Metro Area since 2010. They offer a wide...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Local Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3435629 / 1178011

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Speedwell Transportation Inc. Logo

Speedwell Transportation Inc.

Good8.07/10
based on 81+ data points

860 W. Avenue L8

Lancaster, CA, 93534

About Speedwell Transportation Inc.

Speedwell Transportation Inc. is a team of professional movers in Santa Clarita, CA with over 60 years of experience. The team...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1861478 / 673344

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Antelope Valley Van and Storage Logo

Antelope Valley Van and Storage

Good7.76/10
based on 143+ data points

602 E Ave R

Palmdale, CA, 93550

About Antelope Valley Van and Storage

Instead of memories of stress, you’ll remember moving day as a memorable experience with Antelope Valley Van and Storage, a moving...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Intrastate Moves
  • Interstate Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

34380 / 133696

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved13,629 (2024)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Detroit vs. Lancaster Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating from one city to another can be daunting, but using familiar locations as reference points can ease the transition. This guide provides a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Detroit, MI & Lancaster, CA , helping you get acquainted with your new surroundings by mapping familiar places to similar ones.

DetroitLancasterHow They're Similar
CorktownDowntown LancasterHistoric, vibrant community
MidtownWest LancasterBooming arts and dining scene
Indian VillageQuartz HillQuiet, residential with unique architecture
Eastern MarketAntelope AcresArtisan shops and markets
WoodbridgeEast Side LancasterTree-lined streets, community vibe
Palmer ParkDesert View HighlandsLarge green spaces for recreation
Rosedale ParkLancaster NorthwestFamily-friendly, suburban feel
GreektownThe BLVDLively with eateries and cultural festivals
West VillageLake Los AngelesWaterfront vibes, close-knit community
New CenterNorth LancasterCommercial and residential blend

If you're familiar with Detroit's Corktown, where the historic architecture and modern revitalization collide, Lancaster's Downtown offers a similar vibe with its own mix of vintage charm and community events. Those who appreciated the vibrant restaurant and art scene in Midtown would find West Lancaster a delightful counterpart, teeming with local dining gems and galleries. Meanwhile, Indian Village's notable architecture finds its match in the unique homes of Quartz Hill, both providing serene suburban landscapes. For leisure, the expansive green spaces of Palmer Park are echoed in Desert View Highlands, perfect for weekends spent outdoors or at local events.

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Things to Do in Lancaster

  • Visit the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
  • Enjoy a show at Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  • Explore Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
  • Stroll around The BLVD
  • Hike in Antelope Valley
  • Try local brews at Bravery Brewing
  • Watch a JetHawks baseball game

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Detroit to Lancaster

Moving can be a huge decision, shaping your future in ways both big and small. This guide seeks to present an honest reflection on the pros and cons of relocating from Detroit, MI to Lancaster, CA. By comparing these two cities, we aim to offer insights that will help you weigh the benefits against the drawbacks. Whether it's the climate, cultural scene, or cost of living, our goal is to ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Detroit, MI iconDetroit, MI
  • Harsh Winters
  • Higher Crime Rates
  • Economic Challenges
  • Less Outdoor Activities
Lancaster, CA iconLancaster, CA
  • Milder winters
  • Lower Crime Rates
  • Growing Economy
  • More Outdoor Spaces
Lancaster, CA iconLancaster, CA
  • Less Diversity
  • Smaller Cultural Scene
  • Higher Cost of Living
  • Less Live Music
Detroit, MI iconDetroit, MI
  • Diverse Culture
  • Rich History
  • Lower Cost of Living
  • Vibrant Music Scene

Relocating from Detroit, MI, to Lancaster, CA, means exchanging the vibrant music scene and historic architecture of Motown for the serene beauty and growing opportunities of the Antelope Valley. In Lancaster, outdoor enthusiasts will find pleasure in exploring the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, especially during the spring bloom. Despite Lancaster's smaller cultural scene, the city is not devoid of arts and entertainment. The Lancaster Performing Arts Center offers a variety of shows and performances that cater to diverse interests. While the cost of living may be higher, the trade-off comes with access to picturesque desert landscapes and a more relaxed pace of life. Not to mention, Lancaster's revitalizing downtown area is becoming a hub for local eateries and boutiques, such as MOAH (Museum of Art and History), ensuring that the city's cultural and social offerings are continually expanding.

Detroit vs. Lancaster Food Guide

When planning a move, understanding the local cuisine is key to getting a real sense of your new home. Food is an indispensable part of local culture and living experience. This guide offers a comparison of the local cuisine between Detroit, MI, and Lancaster, CA, aiming to provide you with a taste of what your culinary life will be like after the move.

Detroit
Lancaster
Most iconic local food item
Coney Island Hot Dog
A.V. Fair Funnel Cake
Most popular meat dish
Detroit-style Pizza
Barbecue Ribs
Most popular street food item
Gyros
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Coney Dogs
Vegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • American Coney Island
  • Selden Standard
  • Supino Pizzeria
  • The Kitchen
  • Bex
  • Crazy Otto's Diner
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
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🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving from Detroit to Lancaster, you'll notice the shift from the industrialized, bustling cityscape known for its Coney Dogs and Detroit-style Pizza to a more laid-back desert city vibe with a penchant for barbecues and fair favorites like funnel cakes. Lancaster’s culinary scene, while possibly less known, offers a homely yet diverse palette, particularly noted in its Mexican-inspired street food, such as tacos that have taken a local twist to cater to both meat lovers and vegans alike. Neighborhoods in Lancaster, like Quartz Hill, feature quaint eateries and diners that embody the city's tight-knit community feel. For example, Crazy Otto's Diner, known for its generous portions and home-style meals, represents the welcoming and hearty food scene you're about to join.

Detroit vs. Lancaster Restaurant Comparison

Whether you're leaving behind the familiar streets of Detroit for the sunny horizons of Lancaster, CA, finding your new go-to spots for dining is crucial in making your new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison will help you find your new favorite eateries in Lancaster by using Detroit as your guide , ensuring a smoother transition into your new lifestyle.

DetroitLancasterWhat You'll Love
Selden StandardGiannini Bistro & GrillUpscale dining with an inventive menu
RoastBroken Bit SteakhouseKnown for their steaks and classy ambiance
Supino PizzeriaBarone's PizzaOffers hand-tossed, New York-style pizzas
Slows Bar BQTexas Cattle CompanyAuthentic BBQ flavors with a rustic atmosphere
Lafayette Coney IslandCrazy Otto's DinerIconic diner offering classic American comfort foods
Al-AmeerAladdin Jr.Middle Eastern cuisine praised for authenticity
Detroit Vegan SoulAV Vegan CaféCreative vegan dishes and a cozy setting
MarrowOlives Mediterranean CaféFocus on farm-to-table dining and Mediterranean flavors
Grey Ghost DetroitBJ's Restaurant BrewhouseDiverse menu with quality meats and craft beer
IridescenceLee Esther's Creole and Cajun CookingOffers a fine dining experience with a focus on Southern cuisine

When you arrive in Lancaster and cravings for Detroit's unique flavors hit, you'll find comfort in places like Giannini Bistro & Grill and Broken Bit Steakhouse, where the upscale dining experience mirrors what you cherished at Selden Standard and Roast. Meanwhile, a slice from Barone's Pizza promises to remind you of Supino Pizzeria's hand-tossed, skillfully crafted pies. For a taste of the hearty, authentic BBQ reminiscent of Slows Bar BQ, head over to Texas Cattle Company, where the smoky flavors and rustic atmosphere will feel familiar and inviting. This guide is designed not just to introduce you to what's available but to connect you with tastes that echo your Detroit favorites, making Lancaster feel a bit more like home.

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Ready to start your move?

Detroit vs. Lancaster Real Estate & Living Facts

Embarking on a move necessitates a deep dive into the real estate landscape, ensuring you make an informed decision. This comparison aims to shed light on the essential housing differences between Detroit, MI, and Lancaster, CA, covering crucial aspects like prices, architecture, and lifestyle scores. Understanding these variations will pave the way for a smoother transition.

Detroit
Lancaster
Typical Architecture Style
Historic Bungalows
Modern Suburban
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Close to downtown
Spacious backyards

While exploring housing options, you'll notice stark contrasts between Detroit's historic bungalows, emphasizing character and history, and Lancaster's modern suburban style, focusing on space and comfort. The median home price in Detroit presents an attractive option for buyers looking for affordability, though this comes with a lower urban lifestyle score compared to Lancaster. Despite a higher cost of living in Lancaster, the investment in real estate could be justified by the promise of spacious backyards and a higher bikeability rating, which advocates for a more active lifestyle. This comparison highlights the significant disparities and unique attractions each city offers, catering to diverse preferences and priorities.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Lancaster, CA

1. Quartz Hill : You’ll find large yards and pet-friendly parks, making it easy for your furry friends to enjoy the outdoors.

2. West Lancaster : With numerous walking trails and pet-friendly amenities, you and your pets will have plenty of space to explore together.

3. East Lancaster : Known for its welcoming community and pet-friendly rental options, you’ll feel right at home with your pets here.

Detroit vs. Lancaster Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather will compare between Detroit, MI and Lancaster, CA is crucial if you're planning a move. This comparison will help you grasp how your daily life and seasonal activities may change as you transition from one climate to another, ensuring you're well-prepared for what's ahead.

Detroit
Lancaster
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Tornadoes
Wildfires, Earthquakes
Air Quality
Good to Moderate
Good to Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

83°F / 63°F
97°F / 66°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

35°F / 18°F
58°F / 33°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

33.5"
7.9"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

42.7"
0"


When moving from Detroit to Lancaster, you'll experience a significant shift in weather patterns. Lancaster boasts 100 more days of sunshine per year than Detroit, but with that comes higher summer temperatures and a much drier climate, reflected in its lower average annual rainfall and humidity levels. This substantial increase in sunny days and lower humidity significantly alters outdoor activity preferences and may require adjustments in your daily hydration and skin care routines due to the higher UV index. The change in natural disaster risks from snowstorms and tornadoes to wildfires and earthquakes represents another important aspect of local knowledge that will affect how you prepare your home and family for emergencies.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Detroit to Lancaster

When planning a move from one city to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to shed light on how finances, from income to taxes and the cost of living, will shift for someone moving from Detroit, MI to Lancaster, CA. Understanding these differences is vital for budgeting and maintaining your lifestyle in your new city.

Detroit
Lancaster
Avg. Household Income
$36,140
$64,242
Cost of Living Index
99.4
136.4
State Income Tax
4.25
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
2.3
0.77
Avg. Sales Tax
6
9.5
Top 3 Industries
Automotive, Technology, Healthcare
Aerospace, Manufacturing, Retail
Affluence
Moderate
Higher
Poverty
High
Medium
Homelessness
Significant
Moderate

Moving from Detroit to Lancaster brings significant changes in financial factors impacting daily life. The stark contrast in average household income, with Lancaster boasting nearly $20,000 more, is just the beginning. The adjustment might feel steep due to Lancaster's higher cost of living index and state income tax. However, historical lower rates in property tax in Lancaster compared to Detroit can offer some financial respite. Moreover, understanding the dominant industries in Lancaster can provide insights into job opportunities and economic stability. Being prepared for these financial shifts ensures a smoother transition to your new home.

Detroit vs. Lancaster Political & Religious Comparison

This quick comparison provides a glimpse into the political and religious landscapes of the city you're leaving behind and the city you're moving to. It offers a comparison of the politics between Detroit & Lancaster , giving you a snapshot of the local demographics and belief systems of these communities.

Detroit
Lancaster
Political Make-up
Primarily Democratic
Mixed, with a slight Republican lean
Local Politics
Focus on urban development and social issues
Emphasis on business growth and public safety
Religion
Diverse, with a significant Christian population
Diverse, Christianity prevalent, followed by other faiths

When transitioning from Detroit, a city known for its strong Democratic presence, to Lancaster, where political views are more varied with a slight Republican tilt, understanding local priorities can be crucial. Detroit's emphasis on social issues and urban regeneration contrasts with Lancaster's focus on business development and safety. Moreover, both cities host a diverse religious landscape, with Christianity being predominant. Embracing this diversity can enhance your experience and integration into your new community.

Detroit vs. Lancaster Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is crucial when moving from Detroit, MI to Lancaster, CA. This comparison will help you grasp the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities, ensuring a smoother transition.

Detroit
Lancaster
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
26
30
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
3 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
4 out of 10
3 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
No
No

In Detroit, you can expect an average commute time of around 26 minutes, which is somewhat shorter than Lancaster’s 30 minutes. However, Detroit faces higher traffic congestion compared to Lancaster, possibly due to its denser urban setup. Despite the availability of public transit options like the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the QLine, getting around without a car can be challenging in Detroit due to coverage and frequency limitations. In Lancaster, while public transit options are less prevalent, which reflects in a lower availability score, the lighter traffic congestion means that driving could be less stressful. Though in both cities, relying on a car for daily commutes tends to be the norm, illustrating the importance of having dependable personal transport.

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