Long Beach to Santa Ana Movers & Costs (2026)
Fact Checked by:
A Long Beach to Santa Ana, CA move (~27 miles) starts around $33 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $3,588 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
Local movers such as Sterling Van Lines, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 362 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $75/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
September availability is going fast in Long Beach
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Long Beach to Santa Ana?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Long Beach to Santa Ana are regulated by California law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid California intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by California companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Sterling Van Lines (4.76/5) as the top local pick, followed by Walsh Moving and Storage (4.56/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Long Beach to Santa Ana moves complete in - days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Long Beach to Santa Ana?
A move from Long Beach to Santa Ana runs $33 to $3,588*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $391 - $3,588
- Moving containers: $106 - $1,364
- Rental trucks: $33 - $125
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $391 - $1,259 | $106 - $702 | $33 - $87 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $706 - $2,381 | $351 - $1,006 | $44 - $99 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,204 - $3,588 | $725 - $1,364 | $53 - $125 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Long Beach, CA movers.
How Long Beach to Santa Ana moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $75 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $900.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 26% of Long Beach movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 29% of Long Beach movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Sterling Van Lines |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Long Beach to Santa Ana
Moving from Long Beach to Santa Ana is a job for local and regional California movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Sterling Van Lines leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 362 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Long Beach to Santa Ana
Local movers operating within California know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Sterling Van Lines (4.76/5 stars): 84.5% positive customer ratings.
- Walsh Moving and Storage (4.56/5 stars): 86.8% positive customer ratings.
- Merit Moving Systems (4.58/5 stars): 95.3% positive customer ratings.
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.56/5 stars): 93.1% positive customer ratings.
- Meathead Movers (4.62/5 stars): 76.7% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 99 movers in Long Beach, drawing on 48,113 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Long Beach to Santa Ana
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Long Beach, CA
Long Beach residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More California moving resources
How does Santa Ana compare to Long Beach?
Cost of living: Long Beach vs. Santa Ana
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Long Beach | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,075 | $2,650 |
| Average home cost | $762,188 | $657,015 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,969 | $88,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,681 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,051 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.0% |
| Average sales tax | 10.25% | 9.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Long Beach and Santa Ana comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 374+ California moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Santa Ana are 28% higher than in Long Beach. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 28% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Santa Ana are 14% lower than Long Beach. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Santa Ana matches Long Beach. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person in Santa Ana is 136% higher than Long Beach. Plan to add roughly 136% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Santa Ana is 84% higher than Long Beach. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Santa Ana runs 35% higher than Long Beach. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Santa Ana are 10% lower than Long Beach. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,080 in Santa Ana to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Long Beach.
How life is different in Long Beach vs. Santa Ana
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Santa Ana might look different from Long Beach in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Long Beach | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 451,307 | 310,227 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 47ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.58 | 54.17 |
Did you know: Summer moves in California can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 22% of movers in California, vs 33% nationally).
- Santa Ana is 31% smaller in size than Long Beach. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Long Beach and Santa Ana voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Santa Ana (82°F) match Long Beach (79°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Long Beach (46°F) and Santa Ana (47°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Long Beach (14 inches) and Santa Ana (13 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Long Beach and Santa Ana is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Santa Ana (54.17) is lower than Long Beach (58.58). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Santa Ana
Santa Ana balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
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
Final verdict: Long Beach to Santa Ana movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide California service. For smaller moves, Sterling Van Lines (4.76/5) is the top local choice, with 84.5% positive reviews across 362 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $33 - $3,588, based on our analysis of 374+ California movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Long Beach to Santa Ana
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Long Beach to Santa Ana?
A full-service move from Long Beach to Santa Ana costs $317 - $1,058 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $706 - $2,381, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,204 - $3,588.
Do movers in California offer storage?
86% of movers in California offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
How many movers in Long Beach offer labor-only help?
57% of movers in Long Beach offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
What percentage of Long Beach movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 79% of movers in Long Beach handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How long does a move from Long Beach to Santa Ana take?
Most moves from Long Beach to Santa Ana take - days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
