Moving from San Diego to Santa Ana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from San Diego to Santa Ana costs between $104 to $4,556 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 89-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from San Diego to Santa Ana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Diego to Santa Ana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Diego 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 89 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,179 - $3,544 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $888 - $1,716 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $105 - $187 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Republic Moving & Storage | $200/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 Diego to Santa Ana?
It costs between $104 to $4,556 to move from San Diego to Santa Ana. The prices below break down your 89-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $655 - $4,556
- Moving containers: $642 - $1,971
- Rental trucks: $104 - $200
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $655 - $2,890 | $642 - $1,182 | $104 - $156 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,179 - $3,544 | $888 - $1,716 | $105 - $187 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,662 - $4,556 | $1,192 - $1,971 | $126 - $200 |
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 | $465 - $3,875+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $200/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $310 - $1,240 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $78 - $310 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from San Diego to Santa Ana
At 89 miles, your San Diego 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 San Diego to Santa Ana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 89 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Diego to Santa Ana. They've been in business since 2020 (6 years of experience) and 98.5% of their 1,177 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Ana to San Diego guide.
Considerations when moving from San Diego to Santa Ana
Cost of living: San Diego vs. Santa Ana
Comparing life in San Diego and Santa Ana goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Santa Ana stacks up against San Diego.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Diego | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,881 | $2,650 |
| Average home cost | $847,715 | $657,015 |
| Average income (per capita) | $104,321 | $88,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,346 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,719 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 9.25% |
- Rent prices in Santa Ana are 8% lower than in San Diego, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Santa Ana are 22% lower than in San Diego, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income in Santa Ana is 15% lower than in San Diego, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Cost of living for one person is 89% higher in Santa Ana compared to San Diego. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Santa Ana, expect living costs to be about 45% higher than in San Diego. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Santa Ana a pricier choice for families.
- Unemployment in Santa Ana is 6% higher than in San Diego. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales tax in Santa Ana is 19% higher than in San Diego, so expect to spend a bit more on things like meals, shopping, and other taxable purchases.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in San Diego, you’d need roughly $5,670 to maintain the same lifestyle in Santa Ana.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Santa Ana
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Santa Ana compared to San Diego. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| San Diego | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 310,227 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 60-37 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 47ºF |
| Annual rain | 12" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 54.17 |
Santa Ana sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Santa Ana has about 78% fewer people than San Diego. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- San Diego and Santa Ana both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between San Diego and Santa Ana won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 82°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both San Diego and Santa Ana experience similar lows—expect 46°F in San Diego and 47°F in Santa Ana.
- Both San Diego and Santa Ana experience similar annual rainfall, with San Diego receiving 12 inches and Santa Ana getting 13 inches.
- Both San Diego and Santa Ana receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime is higher in Santa Ana (54.17) than in San Diego (39.83).
Things to do in Santa Ana
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Santa Ana.
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 San Diego to Santa Ana?
Shipping furniture from San Diego to Santa Ana with a mover will cost between $565 and $2,610. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,179–$3,544, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from San Diego to Santa Ana will cost from $1,662–$4,556.
How much are moving container companies from San Diego to Santa Ana?
If you're moving from San Diego to Santa Ana and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $467 to $1,184. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $888 and $1,716. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,192 up to $1,971.
How much is a moving truck from San Diego to Santa Ana?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $99 and $159. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $105 to $187. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from San Diego to Santa Ana, truck rental prices typically range from $126 up to $200.
How far in advance should I book San Diego-to-Santa Ana movers?
For a smooth move from San Diego to Santa Ana, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Ana?
To score the best moving deals to Santa Ana, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
