Moving from Moreno Valley, CA to Lancaster, CA
Relocating between Moreno Valley, CA and Lancaster, CA is a 95 mi drive β 2h 6m 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.
95 mi Β· 2h 6m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 138, I 215, CA 60 |
| Major cities en route | Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Riverside, Ontario |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Moreno Valley | Lancaster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Lancaster runs about 6.7% more expensive overall than Moreno Valley β RPP 106.442 β 113.566.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Lancaster run about 6.7% cheaper β ZHVI $551,284 β $465,847 (2026-03).
YoY change: Moreno Valley -1.5%, Lancaster -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Moreno Valley | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 10.7" | 6.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.3Β°F vs 62.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MARCH AFB, CA US, LANCASTER WM J FOX FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Moreno Valley | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 210,378 | 170,013 |
| Median household income | $87,477 | $76,083 |
| Median age | 32.1 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.1% | 12.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.84 | 3.26 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.7% lower in Lancaster than Moreno Valley.
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 much do homes cost in Lancaster compared to Moreno Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $465,847 in Lancaster vs $551,284 in Moreno Valley β a 15.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Moreno Valley vs Lancaster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,083 in Lancaster vs $87,477 in Moreno Valley β a 13.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lancaster, CA from Moreno Valley, CA?
The driving distance is 95 mi and the route typically takes 2h 6m via CA 138 and I 215. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Moreno Valley to Lancaster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 95 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lancaster compare to Moreno Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Lancaster MSA vs $47,450 in the Moreno Valley MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Lancaster more expensive than Moreno Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lancaster is 6.7% higher than Moreno Valley (113.566 vs 106.442, 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 Moreno Valley.
City profiles: Moreno Valley, CA Β· Lancaster, CA.