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($1,256) Cost to Move From Columbia, SC to Santa Ana, CA

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Estimated cost & time: The cost for moving 2,393 miles from Columbia to Santa Ana is generally between $1,466 and $6,781. The trip duration should be approximately seven–18 days. Final cost is influenced by distance, date, the size of your home, and whether you opt for DIY or professional movers.
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Best movers from Columbia to Santa Ana

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing

Best movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

Best professional movers from Columbia to Santa Ana

When it comes to handling your interstate move from Columbia to Santa Ana, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.

In Columbia, you have a choice of 5 interstate moving companies. Let us introduce you to our top recommendations that will help you reach Santa Ana smoothly and with confidence.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from Columbia to Santa Ana

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,393-mile move from Columbia to Santa Ana using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified quotes from movers across the country and refreshes the dataset each month to track seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, access or parking issues, fuel prices, and timing. We suggest gathering estimates from several companies to get the most accurate pricing.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $2,309 – $5,213
  • Moving Container $1,770 – $3,188
  • Rental Truck $1,314 – $2,593
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,305 – $6,781
  • Moving Container $2,361 – $4,570
  • Rental Truck $1,466 – $3,148
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $6,148 – $10,597
  • Moving Container $3,123 – $6,076
  • Rental Truck $1,852 – $3,896
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Colonial Van Lines
Batesburg-Leesville, SC West Whittier-Los Nietos, CA
Studio apartment
Oct 21, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Oak Grove, SC Riverside, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 05, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Pine Ridge, SC Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 03, 2025
United Van Lines
Jenkinsville, SC Rancho Cucamonga, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 03, 2025
Roadway Moving
St. Andrews, SC Rialto, CA
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 29, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Pomaria, SC Bell Gardens, CA
3 Bedrooms
Sep 21, 2025
North American Van Lines
Wagener, SC Altadena, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 17, 2025
American Van Lines
Lexington, SC Glendale, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Aug 18, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Woodford, SC Huntington Beach, CA
4 Bedrooms
Aug 12, 2025
PODS
Norway, SC Garden Grove, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Aug 04, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Santa Ana, CA to Columbia, SC guide.

Top local movers for Columbia to Santa Ana moves

Searching for a dependable local mover in Columbia that also provides long-distance services to Santa Ana can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed seven local movers in Columbia who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.

These are the best local moving companies for getting from Columbia to Santa Ana.

  1. Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  3. JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  4. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
  5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
72.0% of all reviews were positive
27.3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Gentlemen Movers Inc. earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, standing out with 72% positive feedback from 161 reviews. Customers consistently praise the team’s effective service, politeness, careful handling of belongings, speed, and affordable prices. Many appreciate how the staff alleviates the usual stress of moving. Still, nearly 28% of input highlights problems like damaged items, unexpected extra charges, and hard-to-reach management. Experiences with item protection and clear communication fall short for some, leading to frustration over unaddressed complaints. In comparison with other companies, Gentlemen Movers rates highly for staff professionalism and affordability but lags in reliability when damage claims or billing inaccuracies arise. Most people are happy with the company, but those considering more delicate moves or strict budgets should be attentive to potential risks.
Get a Quote (803) 782-0063

Company Info

State license #: 9756

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 1442337

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
86.7% of all reviews were positive
11.7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Dependable service and professionalism stand out in feedback for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. After analyzing 256 reviews, a remarkable 86.7% of input praised efficient, careful movers who handle belongings thoughtfully and display a positive attitude. Fast service, courteous staff, and respect for customer property routinely put this company ahead of competitors. Clients often highlighted seamless communication and the crews’ on-time arrival, underscoring their reliability. Negative remarks, making up 11.7% of feedback, centered on property damage, additional unexpected fees, and rare breakdowns in communication. Some reviewers cited items arriving damaged or incomplete responses to damage claims. A very small number (1.6%) posted neutral feedback, usually noting mixed communication or unclear pricing. This company receives more enthusiastic recommendations and repeat business than many moving providers, thanks to organized, efficient service and respectful teams. The rare complaints about broken belongings and disputed charges align with frustrations customers have encountered with other movers, but appear far less often here, helping TWO MEN AND A TRUCK earn trust with those seeking a reliable moving partner.
Get a Quote (803) 310-7445

Company Info

State license #: 9494-C

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 2527384

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
42.9% of all reviews were positive
57.1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
JEGA Movers LLC receives enthusiastic praise from customers who appreciate professional staff, careful handling of belongings, transparent pricing, strong communication, and efficient service. Most positive feedback highlights respectful treatment of cherished items and hassle-free booking. Negative input focuses on unprofessional behavior, property damage, and the company not delivering all promised services, like furniture reassembly and reliability. 42.9% of reviews express satisfaction, but more than half of the feedback reveals significant issues, suggesting higher concerns than seen with typical local moving companies. Those considering JEGA Movers should weigh reported customer service quality against consistent complaints about professionalism and property care.
Get a Quote (803) 888-0917

Company Info

State license #: 2021239

Years in Business: 5

DOT #: 3583359

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
93.4% of all reviews were positive
5.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about the fast, friendly, and careful teams at College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving. Out of 242 pieces of input, about 93% was favorable, showing impressive consistency. Most customer feedback mentions efficiency, helpful movers, respectfulness, and quick job completion—qualities that set College Hunks apart from other moving services. Professionalism and careful handling of items frequently impressed customers, even on large or complicated jobs. Some negative remarks point to damaged possessions, missing items, and bigger bills than expected—issues that matter when choosing a mover. Complaints about estimate accuracy or lost belongings remain far fewer than the positive notes about speed and politeness. Compared to many competitors, College Hunks earns trust for reliability and respectful teams, consistently outperforming others in both speed and care.
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

State license #: 9890

DOT #: 2378173

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
50.0% of all reviews were positive
46.9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast moves and friendly crews shine through the feedback on All My Sons Moving & Storage. Out of 64 reviews, half commend the company’s professional attitude, careful handling of items, efficient process, and supportive movers—qualities that keep their reputation solid against competitors. Many customers highlight swift service and the politeness of staff, with teams regularly described as helpful and highly professional. Yet a significant share (nearly 47%) report major frustrations about final pricing far exceeding initial estimates, damage to items, and unanticipated fees. Customers often mention unexpected charges and slow resolution for reported damages, which leads many to express regret or dissatisfaction. While the company frequently delivers the speed and care people expect from leading movers, the pattern of higher costs and inflexible billing contrasts sharply with the positive feedback. Those considering All My Sons can expect fast, polite service, but should clarify all pricing details up front and remain vigilant about item protection and final billing.
Get a Quote (803) 219-4957

Company Info

State license #: 9873

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 902281

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Santa Ana?

Movers in South Carolina generally charge an average of $137 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental
truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,256 – $4,989 $1,316 – $2,986 $1,367 – $2,439
2 – 3 bedrooms $3,305 – $6,781 $2,361 – $4,570 $1,466 – $3,148
4+ bedrooms $6,148 – $10,597 $3,123 – $6,076 $1,852 – $3,896
*These price ranges are rough estimates for a 2,393-mile move from Columbia to Santa Ana, based on pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide and refreshes the dataset monthly to reflect seasonal shifts and market trends. Your final cost can change with factors like move size, add-on services, parking or access constraints, fuel rates, and timing. We recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers to get the most accurate pricing.

Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Santa Ana

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Santa Ana typically costs between $1,256 and $4,989. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,305 and $6,781 when moving from Columbia to Santa Ana. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Columbia to Santa Ana, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,148 up to $10,597.

Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Santa Ana

If you’re relocating from Columbia to Santa Ana, you’ll typically spend between $1,316 and $2,986 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,361 up to $4,570. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,123 and $6,076. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Santa Ana

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Columbia to Santa Ana move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,367 and $2,439. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,466 to $3,148. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,852 and $3,896.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Major factors affecting moving costs from Columbia to Santa Ana

The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Columbia to Santa Ana might be as low as $2,402, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,179.
  • When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Columbia.
  • DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,367 to $3,554 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Santa Ana

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Santa Ana runs about 224% higher for singles and 161% higher for families than Columbia.

Singles spend around $6,333 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $11,160 compared with $4,274.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

Columbia Santa Ana
Average 1 BR rent $1,300 $2,200
Average 3 BR rent $2,220 $3,000
Average home value $220,612 $843,858
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $77,283
Cost of living (single) $1,956 $6,333
Cost of living (family of four) $4,274 $11,160
Unemployment rate 5.2% 7.0%
Sales tax 8.0% 9.25%
State income tax 7.0% 13.3%
  • Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 83% higher in Santa Ana than in Columbia, which may impact your monthly finances.
  • A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 283% higher in Santa Ana than in Columbia.
  • Exciting news here, the average income is about 19% higher in Santa Ana than in Columbia, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
  • Anticipate increased living expenses in Santa Ana, as the cost of living for a single person in Santa Ana is 224% greater than in Columbia. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
  • As you plan your move to Santa Ana, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 161% more than it is in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Santa Ana exceeds that of Columbia by about 35%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
  • Sales taxes in Santa Ana exceed those in Columbia by 16%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
  • Income taxes are 90% higher in California than in South Carolina. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Columbia and Santa Ana, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense Columbia Santa Ana
Basic utilities $148.09 $200.96
Cell phone plan $54.77 $54.33
Dozen eggs $3.46 $5.45
Loaf of bread $2.65 $4.59
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $16.00 $25.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $60.00 $100.00
Gym membership $40.00 $25.00
  • Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Santa Ana, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Santa Ana.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Santa Ana.
  • Bread costs less in Columbia than in Santa Ana.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Santa Ana.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Santa Ana.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Santa Ana.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Santa Ana

Columbia Santa Ana
Population 136,632 310,227
Transportation score 5 7
Walkability score 35 67
Bike friendliness score 35 62
Crime index 3.0 54.17
Safety index 48.39 45.83
Air quality Good Moderate
  • Santa Ana’s population is about 127% greater than Columbia.
  • Santa Ana’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
  • Santa Ana is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 62 out of 100, Santa Ana is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Santa Ana’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 54.17 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Santa Ana and Columbia have a similar safety level, with scores of 45.83 and 48.39.
  • Air quality in Santa Ana is Moderate, and in Columbia it’s Good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia to Santa Ana move

  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Santa Ana without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Where to live in Santa Ana

Ready to relocate to ? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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

Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore Santa Ana. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Santa Ana include museums and art centers like the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
  • Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Santiago Park Nature, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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 Columbia to Santa Ana?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbia to Santa Ana. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Santa Ana?

With many people choosing to move from Columbia to Santa Ana in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Columbia to Santa Ana take?

Covering 2,393 miles, the move from Columbia, SC to Santa Ana, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Columbia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Santa Ana can help bridge the gap.

How many movers in Columbia can handle specialty items for my move to Santa Ana?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Columbia, 5 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.

Helpful moving resources

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