Santa Ana to San Diego, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
- Moving 88 miles from Santa Ana to San Diego can cost anywhere from $1,086 to $3,469. A smaller move will cost around $106.
- Professional movers for this move from Santa Ana to San Diego often price out between $1,086 and $3,469.*These numbers are based on a 2–3 bedroom home and one–two day delivery time. Your total cost and delivery time will vary based on your home size, the distance, and the time of year.
- Our top-recommended mover for relocating from Santa Ana to San Diego is Safeway Moving.
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 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
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Best movers from Santa Ana to San Diego
Best overall value- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience
- Specialty packing services
- White-glove reputation
- 80+ years' experience
- Family owned
- East coast focus
- Affordable pricing
Professional
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Container
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Rental truck
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Labor-only
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Estimated cost to move from Santa Ana to San Diego
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 19, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 19, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 27, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 25, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 20, 2025
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from San Diego to Santa Ana guide.
Local moving companies in Santa Ana
Choosing one of the 372 local moving companies in California for your Santa Ana to San Diego move means less stress and more peace of mind. Local movers know the area inside and out, offer personalized services, and take care of everything from packing to transport, making your move easier, faster, and hassle-free.
- Maison Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Moving Service: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 176151
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 1706316
Alternate Names: US Household Movers Inc , American Pride Moving , Best Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Santa Ana to San Diego
Browse the table below for average cost estimates to move from Santa Ana to San Diego. We’ve split the numbers by home size and service type to help you evaluate your choices.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $531 - $2,333 | $462 - $1,060 | $88 - $136 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,086 - $3,469 | $835 - $1,614 | $106 - $169 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,659 - $4,160 | $1,067 - $1,873 | $114 - $175 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to San Diego
Expect a studio or one-bedroom move from Santa Ana to San Diego to cost about $531– $2,333. A two- to three-bedroom move from Santa Ana to San Diego typically ranges from $1,086 to $3,469, and a large move from Santa Ana to San Diego is usually $1,659–$4,160.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to San Diego
Moving containers for a Santa Ana to San Diego relocation will run $462 to $1,060 for a small load. For a two- to three-bedroom move, expect $835 to $1,614. A four-bedroom or larger shipment typically costs $1,067 to $1,873. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving within California.
Cost of renting a moving truck from Santa Ana to San Diego
Renting a moving truck from Santa Ana to San Diego is generally the lowest-cost option, though it means you’re responsible for all driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $88 to $136. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $106 to $169, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Santa Ana to San Diego costs around $114 to $175.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Considerations when moving from Santa Ana to San Diego
Cost of living: Santa Ana vs. San Diego
Comparing life in Santa Ana and San Diego 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 San Diego stacks up against Santa Ana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Ana | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,650 | $2,881 |
| Average home cost | $843,858 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,333 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,160 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.25% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are 9% higher than in Santa Ana. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in San Diego are 19% higher than in Santa Ana. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in San Diego is 6% lower than in Santa Ana, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Moving to San Diego means you’ll spend 47% less on living expenses than you would in Santa Ana. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to San Diego, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 31% lower than in Santa Ana. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 6% lower than in Santa Ana, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- In San Diego, sales taxes are 16% lower than in Santa Ana, which means your budget for dining, shopping, and household purchases may stretch further.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Santa Ana, you’d need roughly $1,590 to maintain the same lifestyle in San Diego.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. San Diego
Before you move, see how life stacks up in San Diego compared to Santa Ana. 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.
| Santa Ana | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 1,386,932 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 60-37 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 47ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 12" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 39.83 |
San Diego sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of San Diego is approximately 347% greater than the population of Santa Ana. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- Santa Ana and San Diego both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between Santa Ana and San Diego won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 79°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Santa Ana and San Diego experience similar lows—expect 47°F in Santa Ana and 46°F in San Diego.
- Both Santa Ana and San Diego experience similar annual rainfall, with Santa Ana receiving 13 inches and San Diego getting 12 inches.
- Both Santa Ana and San Diego receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- You’ll feel safer in San Diego, thanks to its lower crime index (39.83) compared to Santa Ana (54.17).
Things to do in San Diego
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Santa Ana.
Museums in San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Parks in San Diego
- La Jolla Cove
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla Shores Park
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Sports teams in San Diego
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Diego Gulls (AHL)
- San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Universities in San Diego
- California State University-San Marcos
- California Western School of Law
- San Diego Christian College
- National University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Santa Ana to San Diego?
Shipping furniture from Santa Ana to San Diego with a mover will cost between $531 and $2,333. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,086–$3,469, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Santa Ana to San Diego will cost from $1,659–$4,160.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Ana to San Diego?
If you're moving from Santa Ana to San Diego and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $462 to $1,060. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $835 and $1,614. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,067 up to $1,873.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Ana to San Diego?
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 $88 and $136. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $106 to $169. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Santa Ana to San Diego, truck rental prices typically range from $114 up to $175.
How far in advance should I book Santa Ana-to-San Diego movers?
For a smooth move from Santa Ana to San Diego, 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 San Diego?
To score the best moving deals to San Diego, 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.
