($337+) Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Gilbert, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $337 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,572 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 379 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 $1,083, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,572 or more.
- Moving containers run $919 - $2,704, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $337 - $871.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Gilbert, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,767 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 Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Moving options from Gilbert to Santa Ana fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,767 - $4,702 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 39% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 80% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 379 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 379-mile route from Gilbert to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,083 for a studio up to $6,572 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $919 - $2,704 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $337 - $871, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $827 - $2,185, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Gilbert, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, costs between $1,083 and $6,572. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 379-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $401 - $2,676, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Gilbert and Santa Ana. For a rough baseline, movers based in Gilbert tend to start around $140 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Gilbert to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,083 - $3,702
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,767 - $4,702
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,859 - $6,572
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 Gilbert to Santa Ana.
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 Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Gilbert movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Santa Ana, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $669 - $6,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage | $268 - $1,606/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $401 - $3,211 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% 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 items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,338 - $3,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type36% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,070 - $4,683 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $401 - $2,007 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $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 Gilbert to Santa Ana?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, 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 Gilbert, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Gilbert to Santa Ana with a local mover averages $1,855 - $4,937. A local mover in Gilbert, AZ is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.28/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Gilbert, based on our analysis of feedback from 146 customers, 82.9% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Gilbert, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $919 and $2,704. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Santa Ana. If you go over that window, storage in Gilbert adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Gilbert to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,539
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,085 - $2,141
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,438 - $2,704
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Gilbert, AZ, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $937, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $100 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $201 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Gilbert, AZ, and Santa Ana, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $919. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,085 - $2,141.
What are the best moving containers Gilbert 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 Gilbert 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 Gilbert:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 379 miles from Gilbert, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, running $337 - $871. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $161 - $184
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Gilbert 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 Gilbert to Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $337 - $619
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $356 - $749
- 4+ bedrooms: $480 - $871
Pro tip: A rental truck from Gilbert to Santa Ana looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $337 - $871. But once you factor in fuel ($161 - $184), overnight lodging ($201/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $161 - $184 for the 379-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Gilbert, Arizona, for about 5 hours typically costs around $937.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 379-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $201 per night, adding $401 - $602 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $67 and $401.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Gilbert 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 Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Gilbert, Arizona, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Santa Ana, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $878 and $1,662.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Gilbert to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $827 - $1,484
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $878 - $1,662
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,163 - $2,185
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Gilbert, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $937.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $100 - $201 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 Gilbert 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.
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: Gilbert, 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 Gilbert on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Gilbert, AZ | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 165 |
| Average rent | $2,250/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $518,558 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $121,351/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 29/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 85.23/100 | 45.83/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Gilbert, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Arizona alone has 242 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 379-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Gilbert, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA, 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 $1,083 - $6,572 on the 379-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $919 - $2,704, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $337 - $871. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,767 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Gilbert, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Santa Ana a safe place to live?
Santa Ana has a safety index of 45.83 out of 100 and a crime index of 54.17, compared to 85.23 and 14.77 in Gilbert. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Gilbert, 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 $356 - $749. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Ana?
For families, Meredith Parkwood, Fairbridge Square, and West Grove Valley are worth a look in Santa Ana. If you're moving solo or without kids, Fairbridge Square, South Coast, and Park Santiago tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 Gilbert movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 36% of movers in Gilbert handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.