Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Santa Ana typically costs $2,000–$5,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 366 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Tempe to Santa Ana
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA typically costs $2,000–$5,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 366-mile move from Tempe to Santa Ana, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,828 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $4,224 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $1,840 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 31, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 02, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Tempe to Santa Ana move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,200 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,400 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Tempe.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $400 to $1,000, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ guide.
Best Tempe to Santa Ana movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Tempe to Santa Ana
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Tempe to Santa Ana much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best AZ→CA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 99 Arizona movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Tempe to Santa Ana
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Santa Ana runs about 17% higher for singles and 64% higher for families than Tempe.
Singles spend around $6,333 in Santa Ana versus $5,433 in Tempe; families pay $11,160 compared with $6,810.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Tempe | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $2,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $471,494 | $843,858 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,080 | $77,283 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,433 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,810 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.1% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Santa Ana? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 44% higher than in Tempe, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Santa Ana are about 79% higher than those in Tempe.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 21% higher in Santa Ana compared to Tempe, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Santa Ana, as living costs for a single person are 17% higher than in Tempe. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Santa Ana, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Santa Ana is 64% higher than in Tempe.
- Santa Ana shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Tempe by around 30%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Santa Ana are 14% more than in Tempe, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 432% above those in Arizona. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Tempe and Santa Ana:
| Living Expense | Tempe | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $200.96 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $54.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.75 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.17 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.00 | $25.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tempe than in Santa Ana.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tempe than in Santa Ana.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tempe than in Santa Ana.
- Bread costs less in Tempe than in Santa Ana.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tempe than in Santa Ana.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tempe than in Santa Ana.
- Gym memberships cost more in Tempe than in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Santa Ana
| Tempe | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 310,227 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 75 | 62 |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 54.17 |
| Safety index | 57.64 | 45.83 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Santa Ana's population is about 72% greater than Tempe.
- Santa Ana's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Tempe's score of 8.
- Santa Ana is more walkable than Tempe with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Tempe's 54 out of 100.
- Santa Ana has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Tempe, which has a score of 75.
- Santa Ana's crime rate is higher than Tempe with a score of 54.17 compared to Tempe's 42.36. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36%.
- Santa Ana is considered to be less safe than Tempe with a score of 45.83 vs Tempe's 57.64.
- Air quality in Santa Ana is Moderate, and in Tempe it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Tempe to Santa Ana move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Santa Ana. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Santa Ana
Planning your move to ? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Santa Ana.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fairbridge Square
- South Coast
- Park Santiago
- Sanpointe
- Meredith Parkwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Meredith Parkwood
- Fairbridge Square
- West Grove Valley
- South Coast
Things to do in Santa Ana
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Santa Ana has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Santa Ana features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Santiago Park Nature — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an 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) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Santa Ana?
Planning your move from Tempe to Santa Ana? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Tempe.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tempe to Santa Ana?
Because most people are moving from Tempe to Santa Ana in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Tempe to Santa Ana take?
The 366-mile journey from Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Tempe offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Santa Ana.
Are there special savings available from movers in Tempe?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 5 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Tempe?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Tempe, 54 movers can manage piano relocations. 37 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Arizona has 73 piano movers and 49 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
