($353+) Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $339 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,968 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 357 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,132, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,968 or more.
- Moving containers run $889 - $2,993, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $339 - $906.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,837 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Phoenix to Santa Ana: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,837 - $5,046. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 357 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 357-mile route from Phoenix to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,132 - $3,982 | $889 - $1,708 | $339 - $645 | $875 - $1,507 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,837 - $5,046 | $1,149 - $2,216 | $368 - $788 | $956 - $1,845 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,971 - $6,968 | $1,630 - $2,993 | $499 - $906 | $1,278 - $2,348 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Full-service movers for the 357-mile relocation from Phoenix, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $1,132 and $6,968. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $401 - $2,676, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Phoenix typically charge a base rate around $140 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,132 - $3,982
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,837 - $5,046
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,971 - $6,968
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Phoenix to Santa Ana.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Phoenix movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Santa Ana, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $669 - $6,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $268 - $1,606/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $401 - $3,211 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,338 - $4,014 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,345 - $13,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,002 - $1,904 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,338 - $3,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,070 - $4,683 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $401 - $2,007 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $870 - $2,676 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $401 - $20,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $401 - $4,683+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Phoenix to Santa Ana?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Phoenix, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Phoenix to Santa Ana with a local mover averages $1,782 - $4,895. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Phoenix, AZ often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.22/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Phoenix, based on our analysis of feedback from 144 customers, 83.3% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $889 and $2,993. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Phoenix typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $889 - $1,708
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,149 - $2,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,630 - $2,993
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Phoenix, AZ and Santa Ana, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $937 in Phoenix, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $100 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $201 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $889. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,149 - $2,216, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix to Santa Ana?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Phoenix to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Phoenix:
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Budget Movers (4.6/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Plan on $339 - $906 for a rental moving truck on the 357-mile route from Phoenix, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $152 - $174
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Phoenix daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Phoenix to Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $339 - $645
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $368 - $788
- 4+ bedrooms: $499 - $906
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $339 - $906 does not include fuel ($152 - $174) , lodging ($201/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Phoenix to Santa Ana typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $201 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $87 and $435 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $152 - $174 in fuel for the 357-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $937 in Phoenix, Arizona, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix to Santa Ana?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Phoenix, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,204 and $1,845.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $875 - $1,507
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $956 - $1,845
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,278 - $2,348
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $100 - $201 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for about five hours typically runs $937.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to Santa Ana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Santa Ana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Ana, side by side with Phoenix on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $380,294 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $77,041/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 46.94/100 | 45.83/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 97 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 357-mile move.
Our take
The 357-mile move from Phoenix, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA, costs between $1,132 and $6,968 with full-service movers, $889 - $2,993 with a moving container, and $339 - $906 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,837 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA
How long does a move from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($152 - $174), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $201/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $368 - $788. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,132 to $6,968, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,132 and $6,968, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
