Moving from Glendale, AZ to Lancaster, CA
Moving from Glendale, AZ to Lancaster, CA covers 390 mi and about 7h 20m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
390 mi Β· 7h 20m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, CA 138 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Glendale | Lancaster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.9% pricier overall in Lancaster than Glendale on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 9.9% higher in Lancaster than Glendale as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, Lancaster -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Glendale | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | 6.8" |
Lancaster is 9.8Β°F cooler on the annual average (71.9Β°F vs 62.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, LANCASTER WM J FOX FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 170,013 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $76,083 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 12.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 3.26 |
Median household income in Lancaster is 9.9% above Glendale ($70,139 β $76,083, 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.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Glendale vs Lancaster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,083 in Lancaster vs $70,139 in Glendale β a 8.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Lancaster compare to Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Lancaster MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Lancaster more expensive than Glendale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lancaster is 9.9% higher than Glendale (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lancaster, CA from Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 390 mi and the route typically takes 7h 20m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Glendale to Lancaster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 390 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 Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $465,847 in Lancaster vs $407,332 in Glendale β a 14.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ Β· Lancaster, CA.