Top-rated local movers that handle Santa Ana to Tucson moves
When planning a move from Santa Ana to Tucson, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 93 local movers in Santa Ana who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Santa Ana to Tucson.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
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 #: 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 #: 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
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Tucson?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,140 – $3,174 | $636 – $1,558 | $393 – $746 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,920 – $4,949 | $1,185 – $2,212 | $414 – $852 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,184 – $7,678 | $1,496 – $2,921 | $490 – $984 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Tucson
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Tucson, you can expect to spend between $1,140 and $3,174. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,920 to $4,949 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Tucson typically runs between $3,184 and $7,678.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Tucson
When moving from Santa Ana to Tucson, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $636 and $1,558. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,185 to $2,212. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,496 up to $2,921. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Tucson
Renting a moving truck in Santa Ana is usually your cheapest option to get to Tucson. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $393 and $746. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $414 and $852. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $490 and $984.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Santa Ana to Tucson
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,417, but larger homes can run up to $6,504.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Santa Ana.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($393–$932) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Tucson
Many movers find Tucson easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 62% less for singles and 46% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,390 for one person in Tucson versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $6,043 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,265 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,177 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $327,203 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $61,749 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $2,390 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $6,043 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 8.7% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 51% lower in Tucson than in Santa Ana, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 61% lower in Tucson than in Santa Ana.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 20% less in Tucson than in Santa Ana.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Tucson, where the cost of living for a single person is 62% less than in Santa Ana.
- Moving to Tucson could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 46% less than in Santa Ana.
- The unemployment rate in Tucson is 6% higher compared to Santa Ana, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 6% lower in Tucson than in Santa Ana. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Tucson can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 81% lower in Arizona compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Santa Ana with Tucson:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $271.98 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.22 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $35.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Santa Ana than in Tucson, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Tucson.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Tucson.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Tucson.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Tucson.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Tucson.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Tucson.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Tucson
| Santa Ana | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 542,629 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 66 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 54.43 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 45.57 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tucson’s population is about 75% greater than Santa Ana.
- Tucson’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
- Tucson is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Tucson is more bike-friendly than Santa Ana, which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tucson and Santa Ana have a similar crime rate with scores of 54.43 and 54.17, respectively.
- Tucson and Santa Ana have a similar safety level, with scores of 45.57 and 45.83.
- Air quality in Tucson is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Tucson move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Arizona doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Tucson smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tucson
Now that you’ve chosen The Old Pueblo as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tucson to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Armory Park
- Dunbar Spring
- Old Fort Lowell
- El Presidio
- Sam Hughes
Best neighborhoods for families
- Armory Park
- Broadmoor-Broadway
- Catalina Foothills
- Dunbar Spring
- Sam Hughes
Things to do in Tucson
After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, it’s time to see what Tucson is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Tucson offers cultural landmarks like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, and The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)FC Tucson (USL)Tucson Monsoon (IWFL)Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Tucson?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Santa Ana to Tucson are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Santa Ana are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Tucson?
Because spring and fall moves from Santa Ana to Tucson are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Tucson take?
A move of 469 miles from Santa Ana, CA to Tucson, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Santa Ana sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Tucson is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Santa Ana?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Santa Ana offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 73 movers in Santa Ana have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 60 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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