Best Pittsburgh to Lancaster Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Pittsburgh to Lancaster and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,465 mile move from Pennsylvania to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 22 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to Lancaster Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pittsburgh Moving9.649.51Authorized For HHG
2Meta Movers9.159.43Authorized For HHG
3Two Men and a Truck8.818.2Authorized 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 Pittsburgh to Lancaster?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,465 miles from Pittsburgh, PA to Lancaster, CA will cost on average $3,877 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Pittsburgh to Lancaster move is roughly $9,368. 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$2,600300 ft³$8.67
1 Bedroom$3,877450 ft³$8.62
2 Bedrooms$6,425750 ft³$8.57
3 Bedrooms$9,3681100 ft³$8.52
4 Bedrooms$13,5461600 ft³$8.47
5+ Bedrooms$15,1501800 ft³$8.42
*Please note: These Pennsylvania to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Pennsylvania & 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 PA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Lancaster to Pittsburgh guide.

Compare the 5 Best Pittsburgh to Lancaster Movers

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

Pittsburgh Moving Logo

Pittsburgh Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 1,121+ data points

5746 Pierce St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15232

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...

Services

  • Local move in Pittsburgh
  • Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
  • Residential move

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3901080 / 1437162

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Meta Movers Logo

Meta Movers

Exceptional9.15/10
based on 310+ data points

13 Holt St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15203

About Meta Movers

Meta Movers is a licensed and insured moving company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with over a decade of experience in the...

Services

  • Full-service local Pittsburgh moves
  • Long distance residential and commercial moves
  • Loading or unloading your truck or pod

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3295834 / 1044452

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Superb8.81/10
based on 2,598+ data points

3555 Valley Dr

Pittsburgh, PA, 15234

About Two Men and a Truck

With a premium brand of service rooted in hard work, trust, and high customer satisfaction, Two Men And A Truck is...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1321899 / 509618

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers15
Total Annual Miles Moved260,000 (2022)
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.

Pittsburgh vs. Lancaster Neighborhood Comparison

Moving between cities can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new home's neighborhoods. To ease the transition, we've compared the top neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA & Lancaster, CA to help you find a new place that feels like home. By looking at various aspects such as vibes, amenities, and community, we've pinpointed the most similar neighborhoods between these two cities.

PittsburghLancasterHow They're Similar
ShadysideWest LancasterTrendy shopping & dining
Squirrel HillQuartz HillFamily-friendly with parks
LawrencevilleWestside LancasterArtsy and vibrant
East LibertyDesert View HighlandsUrban renewal energy
South SideLancaster BlvdActive nightlife
Mount WashingtonAntelope AcresStunning views
BloomfieldLake Los AngelesLaid-back atmosphere
North ShoreRancho VistaEntertainment & shopping
Strip DistrictLancaster Old TownHistoric charm, market vibe
Highland ParkEast LancasterCommunity parks & activities

For those who enjoy the trendy shopping and dining scene of Shadyside in Pittsburgh, West Lancaster offers a similar vibe with its eclectic mix of local boutiques and restaurants. If you're moving from a neighborhood known for its parks and family-friendly atmosphere like Squirrel Hill, you'll find Quartz Hill in Lancaster to be a comfortable transition with its community parks and recreational areas. Lawrenceville's artsy and vibrant culture can be closely matched in Westside Lancaster, where creativity and community engagement are thriving. And for those who appreciate an active nightlife, moving from South Side to Lancaster Blvd will feel almost seamless, with numerous bars, pubs, and live music venues bringing the street to life after dark. Each of these neighborhoods in Lancaster maintains its unique charm and offers a slice of familiarity for those relocating from Pittsburgh.

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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 Pittsburgh to Lancaster

Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Lancaster, CA offers a unique opportunity to weigh the balance of lifestyle changes. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make an informed decision on your move. Let’s dive into the detailed observations to understand better the contrast between your current home and your potential new one.

CONs
PROs
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller city
  • Less sunshine
  • Higher humidity
Lancaster, CA iconLancaster, CA
  • Milder winters
  • Larger area
  • More sunshine
  • Dry climate
Lancaster, CA iconLancaster, CA
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Desert landscape
  • Younger city
  • Spread out
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • Vibrant culture
  • Lush greenery
  • Rich history
  • Compact city

While weighing the pros and cons of moving from Pittsburgh, PA, to Lancaster, CA, certain aspects stand out. Pittsburgh's vibrant culture and lush greenery, courtesy of its parks like Schenley Park and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, contrast with Lancaster's desert landscapes. However, Lancaster counters with its more consistent sunshine and a drier climate, which might be a welcome change for those tired of Pittsburgh's colder winters and higher humidity. Furthermore, Lancaster's sprawl offers a different living experience than Pittsburgh's compact and history-rich environment. While Lancaster may offer less in terms of cultural diversity, places like the Lancaster Museum of Art and History and the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve present unique local attractions that embrace the region's natural and cultural heritage.

Pittsburgh vs. Lancaster Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Pittsburgh & Lancaster to give you a taste of the food scene in both areas. Food is a central part of local culture and living, so understanding what each city offers can help you adapt more comfortably to your new home.

Pittsburgh
Lancaster
Most iconic local food item
Pierogi
A.V. Thomas Produce Sweet Potatoes
Most popular meat dish
Primanti Bros. Sandwich
Tri-tip BBQ
Most popular street food item
Food Truck Tacos
Street Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Vegetable Curry
Quinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Pamela's Diner
  • DiAnoia's Eatery
  • Bex
  • Crazy Otto's Diner
  • Kinetic Brewing Company
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
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🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Pittsburgh to Lancaster, you'll transition from a city renowned for its pierogies and hearty Primanti Bros. sandwiches to a place where agriculture, especially A.V. Thomas Produce Sweet Potatoes, plays a significant role in local cuisine. Lancaster offers a distinct experience, with tri-tip BBQ as the go-to meat dish reflecting its close ties to California's agricultural heartland. You can find the evolution of these local specialties in neighborhoods like Lancaster's Downtown, where places like Kinetic Brewing Company serve as a hub for both food and community, showcasing the diversity and innovation within Lancaster's food scene.

Pittsburgh vs. Lancaster Restaurant Comparison

Finding your next favorite eatery in a new city can feel daunting, but this guide aims to ease the transition. By comparing top Pittsburgh restaurants to similar spots in Lancaster, CA, you'll be making yourself right at home in no time. Let our restaurant comparison guide between Pittsburgh and Lancaster serve as your culinary compass, guiding you from familiar flavors to new delights.

PittsburghLancasterWhat You'll Love
Pamela's DinerMarie Callender'sTraditional American breakfast options
Primanti Bros.Crazy Otto's DinerKnown for hearty sandwiches and homestyle ambiance
AltiusThe Lemon Leaf CaféUpscale dining with a focus on presentation and flavor
Meat & PotatoesBroken Bit SteakhouseOffers robust, meat-centric meals in a cozy setting
Gaucho Parrilla ArgentinaRio Brazilian GrillAuthentic South American flavors with a focus on grilled meats
Pigeon BagelsSpunky SteerCozy spot for breakfast and bakery items, including bagels
Dish Osteria BarGiannini Bistro & GrillItalian cuisine with a warm, inviting atmosphere
SpoonBarone's PizzeriaCreative and classic dishes with a modern twist
DiAnoia's EateryOlives Mediterranean CaféOffers a cozy vibe for Italian and Mediterranean fusion dishes
ElevenBlack Angus SteakhouseRefined dining experience featuring premium steaks and seafood

Among these culinary bridges between Pittsburgh and Lancaster, a few stand out for their unique appeal. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina enchants meat lovers with its South American grilling tradition, echoed by Lancaster's Rio Brazilian Grill, where the scent of grilled meats fills the air with promises of a flavorful journey. For those seeking a cozy Italian vibe reminiscent of Dish Osteria Bar, Giannini Bistro & Grill in Lancaster offers an inviting atmosphere where every dish feels like a warm embrace. And when it's time for a familiar but distinctive dining experience, the upscale menus of Altius find a counterpart in The Lemon Leaf Café, blending sophistication with a touch of creativity that would satisfy any Pittsburgh native's palate looking for something uniquely Lancaster.

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Ready to start your move?

Pittsburgh vs. Lancaster Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it's essential to compare key elements of potential new homes. Real estate remains atop the crucial list, especially when considering a relocation from Pittsburgh, PA to Lancaster, CA . Understanding the differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and the overall lifestyle each city offers can significantly impact your decision-making process.

Pittsburgh
Lancaster
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian & Modern
Modern & Ranch Style
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Close to restaurants and parks
Spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods

While Pittsburgh boasts a more urban environment with higher walkability and bikeability scores, its Victorian and modern homes are relatively affordable with a median price of $200,000. In contrast, Lancaster offers a suburban feel, reflected in its quieter, more spacious neighborhoods and prevalent ranch-style architecture. However, this comes at a higher median home price of $380,000. Notably, both cities present unique lifestyle opportunities, but if you lean towards a vibrant urban environment, Pittsburgh might be more appealing, whereas Lancaster offers a tranquil suburban lifestyle.

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.

Pittsburgh vs. Lancaster Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another is a significant life event. Understanding the change in weather you'll experience is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison will highlight the weather patterns between Pittsburgh and Lancaster to help you adjust to your new environment more comfortably.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85/63
97/64
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

38/23
58/33


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

38
7
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

41
2


Transitioning from Pittsburgh to Lancaster means preparing for significantly more sunny days and a drier climate. Lancaster experiences a stark contrast in humidity levels and rainfall compared to Pittsburgh, leading to different lifestyle adjustments, such as increased water intake and usage of humidifiers. The average winter temperatures in Lancaster are milder, offering a more comfortable cold season compared to the chilly winters of Pittsburgh. It's also worth noting the different natural disaster risks; familiarizing yourself with earthquake and wildfire preparedness will be beneficial upon your move to Lancaster.

Ready to start your move?

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

When you're contemplating a move from one city to another, understanding the financial landscape awaiting you is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in cost of living and economic conditions between Pittsburgh, PA, and Lancaster, CA , offering a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of expenses and opportunities in your new home.

Pittsburgh
Lancaster
Avg. Household Income
$57,821
$64,242
Cost of Living Index
91.5
136.4
State Income Tax
3.07%
9.3% - 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax
2.07%
0.77%
Avg. Sales Tax
7%
9.5%
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Education, Technology
Aerospace, Manufacturing, Entertainment
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate to High
Poverty
Moderate
High
Homelessness
Moderate
Significant

Moving from Pittsburgh to Lancaster presents a variety of financial contrasts. Notably, while average household income is slightly higher in Lancaster, the cost of living and tax rates, particularly state income tax and sales tax, are significantly higher, reflecting California's overall economic climate. Property tax rates in Lancaster are notably lower than in Pittsburgh, which could be beneficial for homeownership. Despite similar affluence levels, Lancaster experiences a higher degree of poverty and homelessness, factors that are important to consider for social and community engagements in your new city. These contrasts underscore the importance of preparing for the economic realities of your new locale.

Pittsburgh vs. Lancaster Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics and religion between Pittsburgh and Lancaster provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot aimed at offering insights into the typical makeup of the population in both cities.

Pittsburgh
Lancaster
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Lean Republican
Local Politics
Progressive urban policies
Conservative, suburban focus
Religion
Diverse; significant Catholic presence
Diverse; strong Evangelical and Anabaptist presence

When moving from Pittsburgh to Lancaster, you'll find a shift from a city that leans Democratic toward one with a Republican tilt. Pittsburgh, known for its progressive urban policies, contrasts with Lancaster's conservative, suburban focus. Religion in both cities is diverse, but you'll notice a significant Catholic presence in Pittsburgh, whereas Lancaster showcases a strong Evangelical and Anabaptist community, reflecting its historical roots in the area. Understanding these differences can help smooth your transition and integration into your new community.

Pittsburgh vs. Lancaster Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison sheds light on the traffic and transportation options between Pittsburgh & Lancaster, offering insights into what your daily commute might look like after moving. From average commute times to the feasibility of living without a car, this guide helps you navigate the differences.

Pittsburgh
Lancaster
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
26
30
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
3 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possibly
Difficult

In Pittsburgh, the public transit system is relatively robust, with options such as buses and the light rail system making it possible to get around without a car for most daily needs. This contributes to a lower necessity for a personal vehicle in comparison to Lancaster, where public transit options are not as extensive, making a car almost essential for commuting and accessing local amenities. While traffic congestion is notably higher in Pittsburgh, the average commute time is surprisingly shorter, likely due to the city's comprehensive transit network and more efficient planning of urban infrastructure.

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