Moving from Lancaster to Santa Ana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Lancaster to Santa Ana costs between $124 to $4,956 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 101-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Lancaster to Santa Ana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Lancaster to Santa Ana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Lancaster to driving and unloading in Santa Ana, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 101 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,315 - $3,779 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $984 - $1,909 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $132 - $210 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gentlemen's Moving Company | $100/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Lancaster to Santa Ana?
It costs between $124 to $4,956 to move from Lancaster to Santa Ana. The prices below break down your 101-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $667 - $4,956
- Moving containers: $849 - $2,339
- Rental trucks: $124 - $245
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $667 - $3,227 | $849 - $1,406 | $124 - $188 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,315 - $3,779 | $984 - $1,909 | $132 - $210 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,717 - $4,956 | $1,365 - $2,339 | $156 - $245 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $486 - $4,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $324 - $1,296 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $81 - $324 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Lancaster to Santa Ana
At 101 miles, your Lancaster to Santa Ana move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Lancaster to Santa Ana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 101 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Lancaster to Santa Ana. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Ana to Lancaster guide.
Considerations when moving from Lancaster to Santa Ana
Cost of living: Lancaster vs. Santa Ana
When weighing the cost of living in Lancaster versus Santa Ana, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Santa Ana really compares to Lancaster.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lancaster | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,600 | $2,650 |
| Average home cost | $400,712 | $657,015 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,083 | $88,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,540 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,562 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 7.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.25% | 9.25% |
- Rent prices in Santa Ana are similar to those in Lancaster, so your housing budget won’t change much, making your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Santa Ana are 64% higher than in Lancaster. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 16% higher than in Lancaster. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 149% higher in Santa Ana compared to Lancaster, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Santa Ana is 101% higher than in Lancaster. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Santa Ana less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Santa Ana is 55% lower than in Lancaster. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are 10% lower in Santa Ana than in Lancaster. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Santa Ana can reduce your overall living expenses.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Lancaster, you’d need about $7,470 in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Santa Ana
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Lancaster and Santa Ana. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Lancaster | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 310,227 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-38 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 98ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 47ºF |
| Annual rain | 8" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 45.5 | 54.17 |
Santa Ana sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Santa Ana is about 79% larger than Lancaster. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Lancaster and Santa Ana leaned Democratic.
- Summer temperatures in Santa Ana usually peak at 82°F, compared to Lancaster at 98°F. Moving to a cooler city means breezier summers and less stress from relentless heat.
- During the coldest months, Lancaster is colder than Santa Ana, with temperatures falling to 31°F compared to Santa Ana’s 47°F.
- Both Lancaster and Santa Ana receive similar amounts of rain annually—Lancaster gets about 8 inches, while Santa Ana sees around 13 inches each year.
- Santa Ana has no annual snowfall, while Lancaster averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- Santa Ana reports a higher crime index than Lancaster, with scores of 54.17 and 45.5, respectively.
Things to do in Santa Ana
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Santa Ana has it all.
Museums in Santa Ana
- Bowers Museum
- Lyon Air Museum
- Discovery Cube Orange County
- Heritage Museum of Orange County
- Orange County Museum of Art
Parks in Santa Ana
- Santiago Park Nature
Sports teams in Santa Ana
- Los Angeles Angels (in Anaheim)
- Anaheim Ducks (in Anaheim)
- Santa Ana College Dons (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Track & Field, Wrestling)
- Santa Ana United (Soccer Team)
Universities in Santa Ana
- Santa Ana College
- California Coast University
- Art Institute of California
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Lancaster to Santa Ana?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Lancaster to Santa Ana, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $602 and $2,752. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,315 up to $3,779. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,717 to $4,956 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Lancaster to Santa Ana?
Moving containers from Lancaster to Santa Ana will cost you $594 to $1,280 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $984 to $1,909. A larger home will cost $1,365 to $2,339.
How much is a moving truck from Lancaster to Santa Ana?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $120 to $192. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $132 and $210. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Lancaster to Santa Ana, costs usually fall between $156 and $245.
How far in advance should I book Lancaster-to-Santa Ana movers?
To make your move from Lancaster to Santa Ana as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Ana?
For the best deals on your move to Santa Ana, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
