Moving from Lancaster, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Relocating between Lancaster, CA and Santa Maria, CA is a 163 mi drive — 3h 33m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
163 mi · 3h 33m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 166, CA 33, CA 138 |
| Major cities en route | Palmdale, Santa Clarita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lancaster | Santa Maria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 108.798 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 149.807 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 151.394 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 113.566 vs 108.798 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.2% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $465,847 to $658,011 moving to Santa Maria.
YoY change: Lancaster -2.1%, Santa Maria +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lancaster | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 73°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 6.8" | 13.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Lancaster (62.1°F) and Santa Maria (58.6°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LANCASTER WM J FOX FLD, CA US, SANTA MARIA PUBLIC AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lancaster | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,013 | 109,880 |
| Median household income | $76,083 | $84,617 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 29.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.7% | 11.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.26 | 3.78 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.2% higher in Santa Maria than Lancaster.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Maria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,340 | $35,370 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,000 | $48,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,770 | $37,820 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 13,920 | $66,060 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations | 13,560 | $36,290 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Dry climate: Santa Maria sees only 13.3 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 — 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 Santa Maria, CA from Lancaster, CA?
The driving distance is 163 mi and the route typically takes 3h 33m via CA 166 and CA 33. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Santa Maria compare to Lancaster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,280 in the Santa Maria MSA vs $50,490 in the Lancaster MSA, on total employment of 202,410 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lancaster to Santa Maria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 163 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Santa Maria more expensive than Lancaster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Maria is 4.2% lower than Lancaster (108.798 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lancaster vs Santa Maria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,617 in Santa Maria vs $76,083 in Lancaster — a 11.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Santa Maria compared to Lancaster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,011 in Santa Maria vs $465,847 in Lancaster — a 41.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lancaster.
City profiles: Lancaster, CA · Santa Maria, CA.