Moving from Simi Valley, CA to Lancaster, CA
Relocating between Simi Valley, CA and Lancaster, CA is a 64 mi drive β 1h 19m 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.
64 mi Β· 1h 19m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 14, CA 138, CA 118 |
| Major cities en route | Palmdale, El Monte, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Simi Valley | Lancaster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.534 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.925 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 171.096 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 110.534 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 2.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $844,909 to $465,847 moving to Lancaster.
YoY change: Simi Valley -2.5%, Lancaster -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Simi Valley | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 16.4" | 6.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Simi Valley (66.3Β°F) and Lancaster (62.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WOODLAND HILLS PIERCE COLLEGE, CA US, LANCASTER WM J FOX FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Simi Valley | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,769 | 170,013 |
| Median household income | $117,703 | $76,083 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 12.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.84 | 3.26 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.7% β $117,703 β $76,083 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 does household income compare in Simi Valley vs Lancaster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,083 in Lancaster vs $117,703 in Simi Valley β a 35.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lancaster, CA from Simi Valley, CA?
The driving distance is 64 mi and the route typically takes 1h 19m 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 Simi 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 64 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Lancaster compared to Simi Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $465,847 in Lancaster vs $844,909 in Simi Valley β a 44.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lancaster more expensive than Simi Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lancaster is 2.7% higher than Simi Valley (113.566 vs 110.534, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Lancaster compare to Simi Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Lancaster MSA vs $48,380 in the Simi Valley MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 315,720 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 Simi Valley.
City profiles: Simi Valley, CA Β· Lancaster, CA.