($371+) Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ ranges from $1,003 to $6,829, with an average cost of $2,250. Moves can be as low as $371 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 359 miles and usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving options from Santa Ana to Phoenix fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,003 - $6,829 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,250, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 359 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 359-mile route from Santa Ana to Phoenix, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,003 - $3,827 with full-service movers, $972 - $1,560 with a container, $349 - $645 with a rental truck, or $858 - $1,448 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,855 - $4,846 full-service, $1,208 - $2,306 by container, $364 - $796 by rental truck, or $937 - $1,736 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,714 - $6,829 full-service, $1,646 - $2,791 by container, $499 - $878 by rental truck, or $1,291 - $2,279 by freight.
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 Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ
For the 359-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $1,003 and $6,829. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $433 - $2,884 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Santa Ana generally start around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,003 - $3,827
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,855 - $4,846
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,714 - $6,829
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 Santa Ana to Phoenix.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Phoenix, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $721 - $7,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $288 - $1,730/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $433 - $3,461 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,442 - $4,326 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,605 - $14,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,080 - $2,052 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,442 - $3,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,154 - $5,047 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $433 - $2,163 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $937 - $2,884 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $433 - $21,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $433 - $5,047+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Phoenix?
Arizona Moving Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Arizona, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Santa Ana, CA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Santa Ana to Phoenix with a local mover averages $1,873 - $4,894. Working with a local mover based in Santa Ana, CA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.3/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Santa Ana, based on our analysis of feedback from 51 customers, 88.2% of which is positive.
Address: 15122 Ceres Avenue, Fontana, CA, 92335 | Founded: 2002
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, cost between $972 and $2,791. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Santa Ana costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $972 - $1,560
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,306
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,646 - $2,791
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $1,009 in Santa Ana, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $108 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $216 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Phoenix, AZ, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Arizona 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 $972. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,208 - $2,306, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Phoenix?
- 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana:
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 359 miles from Santa Ana, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, running $349 - $878. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $165 - $188
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Santa Ana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Santa Ana to Phoenix based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $349 - $645
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $364 - $796
- 4+ bedrooms: $499 - $878
Pro tip: The base rate of $349 - $878 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Santa Ana to Phoenix. Fuel ($165 - $188) , lodging at around $216/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $108 and $505.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $216.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $165 and $188 for the 359-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,009 for 2 movers in Santa Ana, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Phoenix?
- 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 Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ
For larger DIY moves from Santa Ana, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Phoenix, Arizona.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $937 and $1,736.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $858 - $1,448
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $937 - $1,736
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,291 - $2,279
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Santa Ana, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,009.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $108 - $216 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Phoenix?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Santa Ana to Phoenix, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs Phoenix, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Phoenix, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $380,294 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $77,041/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 46.94/100 |
| 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 Phoenix, AZ to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 359-mile move.
Our take
A move from Santa Ana, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,003 - $6,829 on the 359-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $972 - $2,791, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $349 - $878. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,855 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Phoenix tend to point to beautiful nature and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though extreme weather and tourists come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include the State of Arizona and Walmart, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Phoenix, AZ
How walkable is Phoenix?
Phoenix has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 56, compared to 67 and 62 in Santa Ana. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $1,003 to $6,829, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,003 and $6,829, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Santa Ana?
Local movers based in Santa Ana typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Phoenix run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ 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 percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 78% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
