Best Columbus to Lancaster Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Columbus to Lancaster and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,242 mile move from Ohio to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 25 Columbus 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 Blue Men Moving LLC), 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 Columbus 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 Columbus to Lancaster Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Blue Men Moving LLC9.579.71Authorized For Property, HHG
2Manifest Shipping Llc9.229.35Authorized For HHG
3Moyer's Movers8.959.15Authorized 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 Columbus to Lancaster?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,242 miles from Columbus, OH to Lancaster, CA will cost on average $3,688 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Columbus to Lancaster move is roughly $8,905. 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$2,474300 ft³$8.25
1 Bedroom$3,688450 ft³$8.20
2 Bedrooms$6,109750 ft³$8.15
3 Bedrooms$8,9051100 ft³$8.10
4 Bedrooms$12,8721600 ft³$8.05
5+ Bedrooms$14,3911800 ft³$8.00
*Please note: These Ohio to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Ohio & 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 OH to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Lancaster to Columbus guide.

Compare the 5 Best Columbus to Lancaster Movers

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

Blue Men Moving LLC Logo

Blue Men Moving LLC

Exceptional9.57/10
based on 1,119+ data points

10445 Blacklick-Eastern Rd NW

Pickerington, OH, 43147

About Blue Men Moving LLC

With locations in Seville and Akron, Blue Men Moving started its operations in 2011 with a mission of providing a superior...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3544037 / 1184394

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved78,500 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Manifest Shipping Llc Logo

Manifest Shipping Llc

Exceptional9.22/10
based on 429+ data points

501 Southwick Pl

Trenton, OH, 45067

About Manifest Shipping Llc

Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3050908 / 49758

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved46,740 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Moyer's Movers Logo

Moyer's Movers

Superb8.95/10
based on 420+ data points

Newark, OH, 43055

About Moyer's Movers

Moyer’s Movers has been moving families and businesses across Ohio since 2004. This locally owned company can handle all types of...

Services

  • Residential and commercial moving
  • Long-distance moves across Ohio
  • Full pack and unpack services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2523566 / 885535

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved58,800 (2023)
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.

Columbus vs. Lancaster Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when leaving a familiar place like Columbus, OH. To ease the transition, we've drawn parallels between the top neighborhoods of Columbus and their Lancaster, CA counterparts. This comparison of local neighborhoods between Columbus, OH & Lancaster, CA is designed to help you find your new favorite spot that reminds you of home.

ColumbusLancasterHow They're Similar
German VillageWest LancasterHistoric charm, community-focused
Short NorthDowntown LancasterArtsy, vibrant nightlife
ClintonvilleQuartz HillQuaint, family-friendly with green spaces
BexleyRancho VistaUpscale, well-educated community
Upper ArlingtonRiver ParkAffluent, strong sense of community
Grandview HeightsDesert View HighlandsQuiet, access to amenities
DublinWestside LancasterFamily-oriented, excellent schools
Victorian VillageLancaster EastArchitectural charm, close-knit
Italian VillageAntelope AcresDiverse, with a strong community vibe
WorthingtonLeona ValleyScenic, relaxed lifestyle

Diving deeper, the Short North area of Columbus, known for its eclectic art scene, bustling nightlife, and unique boutiques, shares a vibe with Downtown Lancaster. Whether it’s attending gallery hops that remind you of the Short North's Art Crawl or enjoying the vibrant nightlife at places like Kinetic Brewing Company, you're likely to find that spark of creativity and community in Lancaster. On the more serene side, much like Clintonville's vast green spaces and family-friendly atmosphere, Quartz Hill offers locals parks such as George Lane Park, promoting a similar sense of community engagement and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for an artsy atmosphere or peaceful suburbia, understanding these neighborhood parallels can help make your new city feel like home.

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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 Columbus to Lancaster

Moving from Columbus, OH to Lancaster, CA requires a balanced view, considering both the challenges and opportunities of such a transition. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from the bustling city life in Columbus to the scenic, desert landscape of Lancaster.

CONs
PROs
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • Colder winters
  • Higher humidity
  • Less outdoor activities
Lancaster, CA iconLancaster, CA
  • Milder winters
  • Low humidity
  • More outdoor opportunities
Lancaster, CA iconLancaster, CA
  • More laid-back
  • Fewer restaurants
  • Smaller arts community
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • Vibrant city life
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Rich cultural scene

When moving from Columbus to Lancaster, you'll transition from experiencing cold, humid winters to enjoying milder winter weather, ideal for year-round outdoor activities. Lancaster's unique geography, nestled in the Antelope Valley, provides a plethora of hiking and exploration opportunities at places like the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. While Lancaster may offer fewer dining options compared to Columbus's vibrant food scene, establishments like Bex Bar & Grill and Kinetic Brewing Company stand out for their quality and innovation. Although the arts and cultural scene in Lancaster may seem smaller, the city boasts unique local gems like the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, enriching the community with diverse performances and events.

Columbus vs. Lancaster Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Columbus, OH & Lancaster, CA. Food significantly shapes local culture and everyday living. By comparing these two locations, you'll gain insight into the food scene of your new home, adding another layer to your moving decision.

Columbus
Lancaster
Most iconic local food item
Buckeye Candy
Poppy Seed Cake
Most popular meat dish
Columbus Style Pizza
Tri-tip BBQ
Most popular street food item
Food Truck Tacos
Street Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Jackfruit Tacos
Quinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Thurman Cafe
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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When moving from Columbus to Lancaster, you'll notice some tasty differences in the local cuisine. Columbus prides itself on diverse food offerings, from the unique Buckeye candies found in local shops to an array of vegan delights like jackfruit tacos. Neighborhoods like Short North are a foodie's paradise with an eclectic mix of eateries. In contrast, Lancaster, with its roots in the agriculture of the Antelope Valley, offers a more niche food scene, emphasizing local produce in dishes like quinoa salad. The city's iconic restaurants, such as Kinetic Brewing Company, offer a glimpse into Lancaster's culinary character, featuring locally brewed beers and modern twists on American classics.

Columbus vs. Lancaster Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in transforming a new area into a place that feels like home. This comparison chart of top restaurants in Columbus to their Lancaster equivalents is designed to help you discover your next favorite dining spots using your current hometown favorites as a guide.

ColumbusLancasterWhat You'll Love
The Refectory Restaurant & BistroGiannini Bistro & GrillOffers elegant dining with a European twist, similar in sophistication.
Northstar CaféCafé LemusA casual spot with a focus on fresh, healthy options akin to Northstar Café.
Hot Chicken TakeoverLouisiana Famous Fried ChickenKnown for spicy flavors and a comparable menu in heat and quality.
Jeni's Splendid Ice CreamsMarble Slab CreameryWhile known for mix-ins, offers artisanal quality ice creams akin to Jeni's.
Thurman CafeCrazy Otto’s DinerKnown for hearty meals and a similarly iconic reputation within the community.
Lincoln Social RooftopBarrelhouse 101A vast selection of drinks and a rooftop ambiance that echoes Lincoln Social’s vibe.
Wolfgang Puck ExpressGino's Italian RestaurantOffers a high standard of Italian dishes with a similar commitment to quality.
Katzinger’s DelicatessenBroken Bit SteakhouseWhile primarily a steakhouse, it encapsulates the hearty, homestyle essence of Katzinger’s.
Harvest PizzeriaRed House BBQNot pizza, but the focus on quality ingredients and flavors resonates with Harvest’s farm-to-table approach.
Mikey’s Late Night SliceZiggy’s PizzaKnown for unique flavors and a cult following in a manner reminiscent of Mikey’s.

While Columbus and Lancaster boast different culinary landscapes, the essence of beloved spots like Hot Chicken Takeover finds a spirited echo in Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken with its commitment to fiery flavors and southern hospitality. For those seeking the comfort of heartwarming, decadent ice creams, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams’ inventive spirit is mirrored in the creative concoctions found at Marble Slab Creamery. Lancaster's culinary scene might surprise you with its range of experiences, from the casual, community-loved Crazy Otto’s Diner reminiscent of the vibrant atmosphere at Thurman Cafe, to refined dining options that echo the sophistication of Columbus’s establishments. Discovering these new spots will not only satisfy your taste buds but also help make Lancaster feel a tad more like home.

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Columbus vs. Lancaster Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate profoundly influences your moving experience, making it essential to understand how Columbus, OH and Lancaster, CA contrast in this aspect. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and the overall lifestyle each city offers to help you make an informed decision.

Columbus
Lancaster
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial Revival
Modern
Walkability
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Bikeability
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Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious backyards, proximity to parks
Energy-efficient appliances, solar panels

While Columbus boasts a slightly more affordable housing market with a median home price of $235,000 compared to Lancaster's $345,000, Lancaster offers distinct advantages in terms of modernity, featuring homes with energy-efficient appliances and solar panels—a nod to California's emphasis on sustainability. Columbus, with its Colonial Revival architecture and higher walkability and bikeability scores, presents a hybrid of urban and suburban lifestyles, appealing to those who appreciate accessibility and green spaces. On the other hand, Lancaster's architecture leans towards the modern, reflecting the city's forward-thinking ethos, albeit with a slightly less walkable and bikeable environment. Each city has its unique charm, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.

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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.

Columbus vs. Lancaster Weather Considerations

When considering a move from one city to another, understanding the weather differences can be crucial for your adaptation. This comparison between Columbus, OH and Lancaster, CA, emphasizes the key weather aspects you'll want to consider to adjust seamlessly to your new environment.

Columbus
Lancaster
Days of Sunshine per Year
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☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornados, Floods
Earthquakes, Winds
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85/65
97/64
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

36/22
58/33


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

39
7
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

22
2


Moving from Columbus to Lancaster means you'll experience significantly more sunny days, less humidity, and dramatic differences in annual precipitation. Lancaster enjoys over 100 more days of sunshine annually than Columbus, and its dry climate significantly reduces humidity levels, making the heat more tolerable. While the average summer high is higher in Lancaster, the low humidity and cool nights can make it feel more comfortable than in Columbus. Be prepared for minimal rainfall but also consider the impact of increased UV exposure and the necessity for appropriate sun protection in Lancaster's brighter, drier environment.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning your move from Columbus, OH to Lancaster, CA, it's crucial to gauge the financial landscape you're stepping into. This comparison aims to shed light on the economic differences and prepare you for the cost of living changes.

Columbus
Lancaster
Avg. Household Income
$58,202
$64,242
Cost of Living Index
92
136.4
State Income Tax
4.797
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
1.69
1.25
Avg. Sales Tax
7.5
9.5
Top 3 Industries
Education, Healthcare, Finance
Aerospace, Manufacturing, Entertainment
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate
Poverty
Notable
Significant
Homelessness
Concerning
Alarming

Moving from Columbus, OH to Lancaster, CA, you'll notice substantial differences economically. For starters, the average household income is lower in Lancaster, coupled with a higher cost of living index, indicating that your dollar might not stretch as far. State income tax and sales tax are also notably higher in California, which could impact your net income and spending. However, Lancaster's industry landscape offers unique opportunities in aerospace and entertainment, which might be appealing depending on your career aspirations. While both cities show a similar level of affluence, the poverty and homelessness rates are higher in Lancaster, highlighting extra social challenges the city faces.

Columbus vs. Lancaster Political & Religious Comparison

When considering the move from Columbus, OH to Lancaster, CA, it's essential to grasp how the environment you're entering compares to what you're used to. This quick guide offers a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Columbus & Lancaster , giving you a snapshot of the community you'll be joining.

Columbus
Lancaster
Political Make-up
Liberal
Conservative
Local Politics
Democratic-leaning
Republican-leaning
Religion
Various, with notable Christian and non-religious communities
Various, with a notable Christian presence

In more detail, Columbus, OH, presents as a city with a liberal tilt, predominantly leaning towards Democratic candidates in local and national elections. This political atmosphere is reflected in its diverse religious landscape, showcasing a broad spectrum of beliefs including a significant number of non-religious individuals. On the other hand, Lancaster, CA, tends to lean more conservative, with a stronger inclination towards Republican stances in local politics. Despite the political differences, both cities host a variety of religious beliefs, with Christianity playing a substantial role in Lancaster’s community life. Understanding these dynamics can help you adapt more seamlessly to your new home.

Columbus vs. Lancaster Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Transitioning from Columbus, OH to Lancaster, CA, it's vital to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities to better plan your daily commute.

Columbus
Lancaster
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
23
30
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
3 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Difficult
Very Difficult

While Columbus offers a somewhat more manageable daily commute with an average time of around 23 minutes and moderate traffic congestion, moving to Lancaster will require adjustments, especially in planning your travel. Lancaster's average commute jumps to around 30 minutes, reflecting its less congested roads but also highlighting the city's vast distances. Public transit options are more limited in Lancaster compared to Columbus, making car ownership almost essential. The reliance on a car in Lancaster is heightened by its sprawling layout and reduced public transportation services, indicating a significant lifestyle adjustment might be necessary for commuters moving from Columbus.

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