Best Portland to Lancaster Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Portland to Lancaster and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 944 mile move from Oregon to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 23 Portland 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 Northwest Grace Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Portland 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 Portland to Lancaster Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Northwest Grace Moving9.299.28Authorized For HHGContact
2All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3You Move Me Portland9.269.4Authorized For HHGContact
4Speedwell Transportation Inc.8.037.08Authorized For HHGContact
5Antelope Valley Van and Storage7.757.02Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Portland to Lancaster

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 944 miles from Portland, OR to Lancaster, CA will cost on average $2,584 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to Lancaster move is roughly $6,206. 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$1,738300 ft³5.79
1 Bedroom$2,584450 ft³5.74
2 Bedrooms$4,269750 ft³5.69
3 Bedrooms$6,2061100 ft³5.64
4 Bedrooms$8,9481600 ft³5.59
5+ Bedrooms$9,9761800 ft³5.54
*Please note: These Oregon to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Oregon & 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 OR to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Lancaster to Portland guide.

Compare the 5 Best Portland to Lancaster Movers

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

Northwest Grace Moving Logo

Northwest Grace Moving

Exceptional9.29/10
based on 605+ data points

19764 Cypresswood St

Oregon City, OR, 97045

About Northwest Grace Moving

Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Senior Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1999959 / 755213

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
All Service Moving Logo

All Service Moving

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.27/10
based on 9,065+ data points

66 SE Morrison St

Portland, OR, 97214

About All Service Moving

Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1863079 / 722865

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans80
Registered Drivers113
Total Annual Miles Moved1,186,786 (2022)
View Full Review
2
You Move Me Portland Logo

You Move Me Portland

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,680+ data points

9442 SW Barbur Blvd

Portland, OR, 97219

About You Move Me Portland

You Move Me Portland is the mover your neighbors trust and recommend. In terms of reliability, customer service, and professionalism, this...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2388358 / 820850

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2020)
View Full Review
3
Speedwell Transportation Inc. Logo

Speedwell Transportation Inc.

Good8.03/10
based on 90+ 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

Good7.75/10
based on 165+ 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.

Portland vs. Lancaster Neighborhood Comparison

When relocating, understanding the neighborhood dynamics of your new city can be a bit of a puzzle. To ease this transition, we have crafted a comparison highlighting the Portland, OR & Lancaster, CA neighborhoods . This guide aims to match you with an area in Lancaster that shares the spirit and amenities of your Portland favorite, ensuring a smoother adjustment to your new surroundings.

PortlandLancasterHow They're Similar
Pearl DistrictWest LancasterTrendy, cultural hub
Alberta Arts DistrictQuartz HillVibrant arts community
Mississippi AveDowntown LancasterEclectic mix of shops
Northwest DistrictAntelope AcresScenic beauty, quiet
Ladd’s AdditionLancaster EastHistoric homes, family-friendly
LaurelhurstRancho VistaTranquil, park-heavy area
Sellwood-MorelandDesert View HighlandsCozy, community feel
Hawthorne BlvdWestside LancasterLively, youthful vibe
RichmondElysiann FieldsEmerging, trendy locale
St. JohnsLake Los AngelesUnique, remote charm

In the heart of Lancaster, Downtown Lancaster mirrors Portland's Mississippi Ave with its unique, eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a haven for those who cherish a vibrant, urban lifestyle. For the art enthusiasts drawn to Alberta Arts District's creative aura, Quartz Hill offers a similar vibe, hosting a variety of community arts programs and events. Nature lovers who enjoyed strolls through Laurelhurst's expansive parks will find solace in Rancho Vista's tranquil surroundings, featuring lush green spaces perfect for family picnics and leisurely walks. Meanwhile, the historic charm and tree-lined streets of Ladd’s Addition are reimagined in Lancaster East, where historic homes and a tight-knit community atmosphere beckon those seeking a blend of tradition and family-friendly living.

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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 Portland to Lancaster

Moving from one city to another involves weighing various factors to make the best decision for you and your family. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad aspects of relocating from Portland, OR to Lancaster, CA. Through the use of comparative charts, we will succinctly highlight the pros and cons associated with this move, helping you to understand what you're gaining and what you're leaving behind.

CONs
PROs
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Higher living costs
  • More rainfall
  • Traffic congestion
  • Smaller job market
Lancaster, CA iconLancaster, CA
  • Lower living costs
  • More sunny days
  • Less traffic
  • Growing job market
Lancaster, CA iconLancaster, CA
  • Less cultural venues
  • Fewer parks
  • Less food variety
  • Car-dependent
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Abundant greenery
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Better public transit

Moving to Lancaster, CA, offers significant financial advantages, such as lower living costs, making it easier to manage your household budget. However, you'll find that Lancaster has fewer cultural venues compared to Portland's vibrant arts scene, which includes renowned spots like the Portland Art Museum and live music hubs such as the Aladdin Theater. On the brighter side, the consistent sunny days in Lancaster encourage outdoor activities, although it may not offer as many parks as Portland, where spots like Forest Park serve as an urban retreat. Additionally, while Lancaster's growing job market is promising, it's crucial to consider this move's impact on your career prospects and lifestyle preferences. Ultimately, the decision hinges on what you value most in your living environment.

Portland vs. Lancaster Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Portland & Lancaster is designed to showcase how food is a vital part of local culture and day-to-day living. By exploring what each location offers, you can get a taste of the culinary landscape you’ll be entering.

PortlandLancaster
Most iconic local food itemVoodoo DoughnutsBLVD Lemonade
Most popular meat dishBrisketTri-tip
Most popular street food itemFood Cart PodsTacos
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubensAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Pok Pok
  • Le Pigeon
  • Screen Door
  • Kinetic Brewing Co.
  • The Spinning Bone
  • Lemon Leaf Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Portland, known for its vibrant food cart pods, offers a diverse range of street foods, with Voodoo Doughnuts standing as an iconic local delicacy. These doughnuts, alongside Portland's famed brisket and tempeh Reubens, reflect the city's innovative and inclusive food scene. Places like Pok Pok and Le Pigeon highlight the culinary diversity and skill present in the city, offering mouth-watering dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere. Lancaster, on the other hand, brings a more traditional but equally tantalizing array of foods to the table, with its famed BLVD Lemonade and tri-tip showcasing the local flavors. Tacos are a go-to street food, embodying Lancaster's casual and accessible approach to dining. The city’s vegan scene is also emerging, offering new and exciting choices for all dietary preferences.

Portland vs. Lancaster Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in culinary experiences helps make a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Portland, OR, and Lancaster, CA, will guide you in discovering your next favorite eateries, matching your beloved spots in Portland with Lancaster's best. Whether you're in search of a high-end meal, a quick casual bite, or a unique dining experience, this chart is your culinary compass for settling into your new hometown.

PortlandLancasterWhat You'll Love
Le PigeonThe Lemon Leaf CafeSimilar intimate setting with a focus on creative, upscale dishes.
Pine State BiscuitsBroken Bit SteakhouseKnown for comfort food with a refined twist, akin to Pine State’s approach to Southern cuisine.
Pok PokSpicy ThaiAuthentic Thai flavors that remind you of Pok Pok's innovative dishes.
Tasty n DaughtersCafe RioFamily-friendly atmosphere with a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, similar to Tasty n Daughters.
Screen DoorThe Modern Tea RoomOffers a unique blend of comfort foods with a health-conscious twist resembling Screen Door's modern Southern cuisine.
Blue Star DonutsDonut DepotArtisanal donuts that capture the spirit and creativity of Blue Star Donuts.
Nong's Khao Man GaiChicken MaisanSimple yet flavorful chicken dishes that echo Nong's dedication to a single dish perfected.
Apizza SchollsPizzaRevTheir commitment to quality ingredients and customization mirrors Apizza Scholls’ approach to pizza.
Salt & StrawCold Stone CreameryWhile offering a more mainstream line of flavors, Cold Stone’s mix-in approach allows for a personalized experience similar to Salt & Straw's innovative combinations.
AndinaGiannini Bistro & GrillWhile not Peruvian, offers an eclectic menu with a worldly vibe reminiscent of Andina’s international influence.

Exploring Lancaster's culinary scene offers a taste of the familiar while inviting new experiences. For example, while The Lemon Leaf Cafe captures the intimate and creative essence of dining at Le Pigeon, offering an upscale approach to each dish's presentation and taste. Donut enthusiasts will be delighted by Donut Depot's quirky and inventive selection, reminding them of Blue Star Donuts' famous offerings. Each recommendation aims to recreate the eclectic and vibrant dining experience found in Portland, OR, allowing you to find comfort and joy in Lancaster, CA's local eateries. Enjoy discovering these gems as you make your culinary journey in your new hometown.

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Ready to start your move?

Portland vs. Lancaster Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts your relocation decision. Understanding how Portland, OR and Lancaster, CA compare in housing costs, architecture, and urban lifestyle can guide your move. Let's delve into these crucial aspects.

ComparisonPortlandLancaster
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ModernRanch, Mediterranean
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingEco-friendly features, Proximity to public transitSpacious lots, Solar panels

When examining housing differences between Portland and Lancaster, it's clear that Portland offers a more urban lifestyle, higher walkability, and an emphasis on eco-friendly living with frequent mentions of features like energy efficiency and proximity to public transit in listings. Conversely, Lancaster's appeal lies in its more affordable living, with a focus on larger, spacious lots and solar panels reflecting the area's utilization of its sunny climate. The contrast in median home prices and monthly rents underscores the cost-effectiveness of moving to Lancaster, although the trade-off involves a shift towards a less walkable and bikeable environment.

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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.

Portland vs. Lancaster Weather Considerations

When considering a move from Portland, OR to Lancaster, CA, understanding the differences in weather conditions is crucial. This comparison will illuminate how your daily life, attire, and activities might change due to Portland's vs. Lancaster's climate.

Summer icon
80°F / 57°F

Portland, OR

97°F / 64°F

Lancaster, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 36°F

Portland, OR

58°F / 33°F

Lancaster, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Portland, OR

7

Lancaster, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4.8

Portland, OR

0

Lancaster, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPortlandLancaster
Air QualityModerateModerate to Poor
Natural DisastersRainstorms, EarthquakesWildfires, Earthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Portland to Lancaster means preparing for a drastic change in both temperature and humidity. You'll experience a significant decrease in rain and an increase in sunshine days, which might affect outdoor and lifestyle activities greatly. The higher temperatures in Lancaster during summer may require a different approach to cooling your home and staying comfortable. Additionally, while both cities have a moderate air quality index, Lancaster is prone to more extreme conditions like wildfires which can further impact air quality. Equipping your home with air filters could be more of a necessity in Lancaster than in Portland.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning to relocate, comparing the financial landscape of your current and future homes is crucial. This comparison will help you gauge how your expenses, from taxes to housing costs, might change. Therefore, we've prepared a comparison chart to illustrate the financial differences between Portland, OR, and Lancaster, CA , offering insights into what you can expect in terms of cost of living and more.

ComparisonPortlandLancaster
Avg. Household Income$79,057$64,242
Cost of Living Index111.3136.4
State Income Tax9.99.9
Avg. Property Tax0.90.8
Avg. Sales Tax0 (But has a high state tax)9.5
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Healthcare, ManufacturingAerospace, Manufacturing, Education
AffluenceModerately AffluentVaries
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessHighSignificant

Moving from Portland, OR, to Lancaster, CA, you'll likely notice a considerable shift in your cost of living. Despite California's reputation for high expenses, Lancaster presents a more affordable alternative with a lower cost of living index compared to Portland. However, this advantage may be offset by the significantly higher sales tax in Lancaster. Furthermore, while both cities face challenges with homelessness, the average household income in Portland is considerably higher, potentially allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle. These economic factors are critical to consider as you plan your relocation.

Portland vs. Lancaster Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between Portland, OR & Lancaster, CA provides a quick snapshot to help you understand the typical political and religious makeup of the residents in the cities you're moving from and to.

PortlandLancaster
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticModerately Conservative/Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive policies, strong emphasis on environmental concerns and social equityBusiness-friendly policies, community-oriented initiatives
ReligionLess religiously affiliated overall, diverse spiritual communitiesHigher percentage of religious affiliation, Christian communities predominate

Moving from Portland to Lancaster means transitioning from a predominantly liberal city known for its progressive values to a more conservative area where community and business-oriented initiatives take center stage. Portland is celebrated for its efforts in environmental sustainability and equality, which aligns with its less religiously affiliated and politically liberal population. In contrast, Lancaster's community connects more over shared religious values, primarily Christian, and maintains more conservative political leanings. The political and religious climate of a location can deeply influence its culture and social landscape, making it essential for you as a new resident to understand these dynamics for a smoother transition.

Portland vs. Lancaster Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Portland, OR to Lancaster, CA, it's essential to better understand the daily commute and traffic differences between the two cities. This comparison will give you insights into what to expect when navigating either city, focusing on travel times, congestion levels, and public transportation accessibility.

ComparisonPortlandLancaster
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2630
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with some planningNo, not easily

In Portland, the average commute time is slightly less than Lancaster, with public transportation playing a significant role in daily commutes. Portland's efficient transit system, including buses, light rail, and streetcars, means you can often get by without a car, given you plan your routes. Conversely, Lancaster, with its wider spaces and lower traffic congestion, is less served by public transit, making a car almost a necessity for daily travel. The distinct differences highlight the importance of considering your commute and transportation needs when moving between these two cities.

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