Moving from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita, CA

Quick answer: Moving from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita costs between $99 to $4,333 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 86-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.

  • Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Bernardino to driving and unloading in Santa Clarita, 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 86 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $1,228 - $3,761 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $879 - $1,615 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $109 - $180 Lowest upfront cost You drive, load, and unload everything yourself
Labor-only Alex Moving and Storage $110/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 San Bernardino to Santa Clarita?

It costs between $99 to $4,333 to move from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita. The prices below break down your 86-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $623 - $4,333
  • Moving containers: $682 - $2,093
  • Rental trucks: $99 - $186
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $623 - $3,103 $682 - $1,158 $99 - $157
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,228 - $3,761 $879 - $1,615 $109 - $180
4+ bedrooms $1,662 - $4,333 $1,123 - $2,093 $129 - $186
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.

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 $357 - $2,975+ Full-service movers
Loading labor $110/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Storage About $100/month Moving containers
Shuttle fee $238 - $952 Full-service movers
Equipment rental $60 - $238 Rental trucks
Added protection 1% - 2% of declared value All move types

Best movers from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita

At 86 miles, your San Bernardino to Santa Clarita 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 San Bernardino to Santa Clarita. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 86 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.

More California moving resources

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Clarita to San Bernardino guide.

Considerations when moving from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita

Cost of living: San Bernardino vs. Santa Clarita

When comparing the cost of living between San Bernardino and Santa Clarita, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Santa Clarita stacks up against San Bernardino.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Bernardino Santa Clarita
Average rent cost $1,950 $3,295
Average home cost $381,380 $722,430
Average income (per capita) $63,988 $119,926
Cost of living (single person) $2,054 $3,290
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,469 $6,722
Unemployment rate 10.6% 9.6%
Average Sales Tax 8.75% 9.5%
  • Rent prices in Santa Clarita are 69% higher than in San Bernardino. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
  • Home prices in Santa Clarita are 89% higher than in San Bernardino, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
  • Salaries here average 87% higher than in San Bernardino. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
  • Living expenses for one person in Santa Clarita are 60% higher than in San Bernardino, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
  • Living costs here run about 50% higher than in San Bernardino. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Santa Clarita one of the more expensive cities for families.
  • Unemployment in Santa Clarita is 9% lower than in San Bernardino. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
  • Sales taxes run 9% higher in Santa Clarita than in San Bernardino, so you should plan on higher costs for regular taxable purchases.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,800 in Santa Clarita to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in San Bernardino.

How life is different in San Bernardino vs. Santa Clarita

Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Santa Clarita vs. San Bernardino. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.

San Bernardino Santa Clarita
Population 222,101 228,673
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Democratic 49.8-48.3
Summer high 95ºF 89ºF
Winter low 42ºF 46ºF
Annual rain 13" 18"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 73.87 35.92
  • Moving from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita might seem easy since both cities are similar in size. But it’s smart to dig deeper—what truly separates these two places is the vibe, job market, layout, and living costs. Those are the differences you’ll really notice.
  • In the last presidential election, both San Bernardino and Santa Clarita voted Democratic.
  • With summer highs at 89°F, Santa Clarita is cooler than San Bernardino at 95°F. The change means easier summers and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
  • During the coldest part of the year, both San Bernardino and Santa Clarita experience similar winter lows, with San Bernardino reaching 42°F and Santa Clarita getting down to 46°F.
  • Both San Bernardino and Santa Clarita see about the same yearly rainfall—San Bernardino averages 13 inches, while Santa Clarita gets 18 inches each year.
  • Both San Bernardino and Santa Clarita receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
  • Santa Clarita is safer than San Bernardino, boasting a lower crime index of 35.92 compared to San Bernardino’s 73.87.

Things to do in Santa Clarita

Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Santa Clarita has you covered.

Museums in Santa Clarita

  • William S. Hart Museum & Ranch
  • Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio
  • The Olde World Emporium

Parks in Santa Clarita

  • Santa Clarita Woodlands Park

Sports teams in Santa Clarita

  • FC Santa Clarita
  • i9 Sports Santa Clarita (flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball)
  • Santa Clarita Sports Center (soccer)
  • Santa Clarita Youth Sports (basketball, flag football, T-Ball/Softball, Volleyball)

Universities in Santa Clarita

  • California Institute of the Arts

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita?

If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita, expect to pay between $576 and $2,584 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,228 and $3,761. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,662 up to $4,333 for the trip.

How much are moving container companies from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita?

If you’re moving from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $462 and go up to $1,138. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $879 and $1,615. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,123 and $2,093.

How much is a moving truck from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $104 to $153. A larger move will cost $109 to $180, and a four-bedroom or larger move from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita costs from $129 to $186.

How far in advance should I book San Bernardino-to-Santa Clarita movers?

For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from San Bernardino to Santa Clarita at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your San Bernardino-to-Santa Clarita movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Clarita?

To save money on your move to Santa Clarita, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.