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 29 Columbus to Lancaster moving companies and more than 15,000 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.
Best Columbus to Lancaster Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue Men Moving LLC | 9.56 | 9.71 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Manifest Shipping Llc | 9.19 | 9.35 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Integrity Moving and Storage | 8.98 | 9.31 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Speedwell Transportation Inc. | 8.03 | 7.08 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Antelope Valley Van and Storage | 7.75 | 7.02 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,474 | 300 ft³ | 8.25 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,688 | 450 ft³ | 8.20 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,109 | 750 ft³ | 8.15 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,905 | 1100 ft³ | 8.10 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,872 | 1600 ft³ | 8.05 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,391 | 1800 ft³ | 8.00 |
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
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3544037 / 1184394 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 78,500 (2022) |
Manifest Shipping Llc
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3050908 / 49758 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 46,740 (2022) |
Integrity Moving and Storage
2050 Corvair Blvd Unit 1
Columbus, OH, 43207
About Integrity Moving and Storage
With over three decades of expertise and a small-town customer-first approach, Integrity Moving and Storage offers exceptional service in Central Ohio....
Services
- Long-Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Piano Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1343775 / 517527 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 140,000 (2022) |
Speedwell Transportation Inc.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1861478 / 673344 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2023) |
Antelope Valley Van and Storage
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 34380 / 133696 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 13,629 (2024) |
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.
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.
| Columbus | Lancaster | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| German Village | West Lancaster | Historic charm, community-focused |
| Short North | Downtown Lancaster | Artsy, vibrant nightlife |
| Clintonville | Quartz Hill | Quaint, family-friendly with green spaces |
| Bexley | Rancho Vista | Upscale, well-educated community |
| Upper Arlington | River Park | Affluent, strong sense of community |
| Grandview Heights | Desert View Highlands | Quiet, access to amenities |
| Dublin | Westside Lancaster | Family-oriented, excellent schools |
| Victorian Village | Lancaster East | Architectural charm, close-knit |
| Italian Village | Antelope Acres | Diverse, with a strong community vibe |
| Worthington | Leona Valley | Scenic, 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.
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.
Columbus, OH- Colder winters
- Higher humidity
- Less outdoor activities
Lancaster, CA- Milder winters
- Low humidity
- More outdoor opportunities
Lancaster, CA- More laid-back
- Fewer restaurants
- Smaller arts community
Columbus, 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 |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
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.
| Columbus | Lancaster | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro | Giannini Bistro & Grill | Offers elegant dining with a European twist, similar in sophistication. |
| Northstar Café | Café Lemus | A casual spot with a focus on fresh, healthy options akin to Northstar Café. |
| Hot Chicken Takeover | Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken | Known for spicy flavors and a comparable menu in heat and quality. |
| Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams | Marble Slab Creamery | While known for mix-ins, offers artisanal quality ice creams akin to Jeni's. |
| Thurman Cafe | Crazy Otto’s Diner | Known for hearty meals and a similarly iconic reputation within the community. |
| Lincoln Social Rooftop | Barrelhouse 101 | A vast selection of drinks and a rooftop ambiance that echoes Lincoln Social’s vibe. |
| Wolfgang Puck Express | Gino's Italian Restaurant | Offers a high standard of Italian dishes with a similar commitment to quality. |
| Katzinger’s Delicatessen | Broken Bit Steakhouse | While primarily a steakhouse, it encapsulates the hearty, homestyle essence of Katzinger’s. |
| Harvest Pizzeria | Red House BBQ | Not pizza, but the focus on quality ingredients and flavors resonates with Harvest’s farm-to-table approach. |
| Mikey’s Late Night Slice | Ziggy’s Pizza | Known 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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
| Comparison | Columbus | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| 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.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Lancaster, CA
1. West Lancaster: Home to several spacious parks, including Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, West Lancaster offers abundant walking trails and natural areas for you and your pets to explore.
2. Rancho Vista: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Rancho Vista provides plenty of green spaces and dog parks, like the popular Apollo Community Regional Park, for pet owners to enjoy outdoor activities.
3. Quartz Hill: A quiet, suburban neighborhood with a tight-knit community vibe, Quartz Hill offers easy access to pet services and outdoor spaces suitable for pets, including the dog-friendly George Lane Park.
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, OH
Lancaster, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Columbus, OH
Lancaster, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Columbus, OH
Lancaster, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Columbus, OH
Lancaster, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Columbus | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornados, Floods | Earthquakes, Winds |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
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.
| Comparison | 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.
| Comparison | Columbus | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 23 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| 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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