Moving from Kent, WA to Lancaster, CA
It is 1103 mi between Kent and Lancaster β roughly 21h 1m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1103 mi Β· 21h 1m by car Β· CA β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 138, CA 14 |
| Major cities en route | Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Bakersfield, Modesto, Stockton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Lancaster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 111.133 vs 113.566 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.2% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $656,314 to $465,847 moving to Lancaster.
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Lancaster -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 6.8" |
Annual temperature rises 8.3Β°F moving to Lancaster per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, LANCASTER WM J FOX FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 170,013 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $76,083 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 12.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 3.26 |
Households in Lancaster earn about 2.2% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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.
Moving between Washington and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Kent to Lancaster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1103 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lancaster, CA from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 1103 mi and the route typically takes 21h 1m via I 5 and CA 138. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lancaster compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $465,847 in Lancaster vs $656,314 in Kent β a 29.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Lancaster compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Lancaster MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Lancaster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,083 in Lancaster vs $90,416 in Kent β a 15.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lancaster more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lancaster is 2.2% higher than Kent (113.566 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Lancaster, CA.