Moving from El Monte, CA to Lancaster, CA
Moving from El Monte, CA to Lancaster, CA covers 83 mi and about 1h 38m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
83 mi Β· 1h 38m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 14, CA 138, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Burbank |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Monte | Lancaster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for El Monte (113.566) and Lancaster (113.566) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Lancaster: 0.0% below El Monte on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: El Monte +0.8%, Lancaster -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | El Monte | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.7" | 6.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAN GABRIEL FIRE DEPT, CA US, LANCASTER WM J FOX FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Monte | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,066 | 170,013 |
| Median household income | $64,484 | $76,083 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.4% | 12.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.62 | 3.26 |
Median household income in Lancaster is 0.0% above El Monte ($64,484 β $76,083, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lancaster MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Lancaster average 98Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Lancaster sees only 6.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How far is Lancaster, CA from El Monte, CA?
The driving distance is 83 mi and the route typically takes 1h 38m via CA 14 and CA 138. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from El Monte to Lancaster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 83 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in El Monte vs Lancaster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,083 in Lancaster vs $64,484 in El Monte β a 18.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lancaster compared to El Monte?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $465,847 in Lancaster vs $765,444 in El Monte β a 39.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Lancaster compare to El Monte?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Lancaster MSA vs $50,490 in the El Monte MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from El Monte.
City profiles: El Monte, CA Β· Lancaster, CA.