Moving from West Covina, CA to Lancaster, CA
It is a 73 mi drive, roughly 1h 44m, between West Covina, CA and Lancaster, CA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
73 mi Β· 1h 44m 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
| West Covina | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable β 113.566 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 0.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $852,373 to $465,847 moving to Lancaster.
YoY change: West Covina +0.7%, Lancaster -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Covina | 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" |
Annual average temperatures in West Covina (65.1Β°F) and Lancaster (62.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA 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 | West Covina | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,436 | 170,013 |
| Median household income | $98,570 | $76,083 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 12.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.3 | 3.26 |
Lancaster households earn about 0.0% less than West Covina at the median β $98,570 β $76,083 on ACS 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 West Covina vs Lancaster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,083 in Lancaster vs $98,570 in West Covina β a 22.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from West Covina to Lancaster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 73 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 West Covina, CA?
The driving distance is 73 mi and the route typically takes 1h 44m via N3 and FH 59. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Lancaster compare to West Covina?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Lancaster MSA vs $50,490 in the West Covina 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.
How much do homes cost in Lancaster compared to West Covina?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $465,847 in Lancaster vs $852,373 in West Covina β a 45.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from West Covina.
City profiles: West Covina, CA Β· Lancaster, CA.