Moving from Pomona, CA to Lancaster, CA
Relocating between Pomona, CA and Lancaster, CA is a 81 mi drive β 1h 53m 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.
81 mi Β· 1h 53m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | N3, FH 59, I 210 |
| Major cities en route | Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Burbank, Los Angeles |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pomona | 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 |
Pomona and Lancaster sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $690,986 in Pomona to $465,847 in Lancaster, a 0.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pomona -0.8%, Lancaster -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pomona | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 6.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 65.1Β°F vs 62.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: POMONA/FAIRPLEX, CA US, LANCASTER WM J FOX FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pomona | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,391 | 170,013 |
| Median household income | $78,869 | $76,083 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 12.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.55 | 3.26 |
Household income lines up β $78,869 vs $76,083 on 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.
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 Pomona?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $465,847 in Lancaster vs $690,986 in Pomona β a 32.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Lancaster compare to Pomona?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Lancaster MSA vs $50,490 in the Pomona 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.
When is the best time to move from Pomona to Lancaster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 81 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 Pomona, CA?
The driving distance is 81 mi and the route typically takes 1h 53m via N3 and FH 59. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Pomona vs Lancaster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,083 in Lancaster vs $78,869 in Pomona β a 3.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pomona.
City profiles: Pomona, CA Β· Lancaster, CA.