($438+) Santa Ana, CA to Reno, NV Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Reno, NV ranges from $1,168 to $7,962, with an average cost of $2,550. Moves can be as low as $438 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 495 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 Reno, NV
Moving options from Santa Ana to Reno fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,168 - $7,962 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,550, 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 495 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 495-mile route from Santa Ana to Reno, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,168 - $3,927 | $972 - $1,705 | $409 - $771 | $848 - $1,582 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,006 - $5,498 | $1,245 - $2,450 | $445 - $906 | $997 - $1,843 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,690 - $7,962 | $1,673 - $3,021 | $537 - $1,080 | $1,272 - $2,441 |
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 Reno, NV
Hiring full-service movers from Santa Ana, California, to Reno, Nevada, costs between $1,168 and $7,962. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 495-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $440 - $2,932, 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 Santa Ana and Reno. For a rough baseline, movers based in Santa Ana tend to start around $185 plus $75/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 Santa Ana to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,168 - $3,927
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,006 - $5,498
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,690 - $7,962
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 Reno.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Nevada. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Reno, NV
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Reno, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $733 - $7,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $293 - $1,759/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $440 - $3,518 |
| 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 | $1,466 - $4,398 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,665 - $14,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,098 - $2,086 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,466 - $3,665 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,173 - $5,131 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $440 - $2,199 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $953 - $2,932 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $440 - $21,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $440 - $5,131+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Reno?
- 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 Santa Ana, CA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Santa Ana to Reno with a local mover averages $1,926 - $5,279. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Santa Ana, CA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
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 Reno, NV
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Reno, Nevada, cost between $972 and $3,021. 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 Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $972 - $1,705
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,245 - $2,450
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,673 - $3,021
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Ana, CA and Reno, NV. 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 $1,026 in Santa Ana, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $110 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $220 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 California to Nevada 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 $1,245 - $2,450, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Reno?
- 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 Reno, NV
Truck rentals from Santa Ana, California, to Reno, Nevada, range from $409 - $1,080 for the 495-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $231 - $264
- Daily insurance: $44/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 Reno based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $409 - $771
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $445 - $906
- 4+ bedrooms: $537 - $1,080
Pro tip: The base rate of $409 - $1,080 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Santa Ana to Reno. Fuel ($231 - $264) , lodging at around $220/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $220 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 $95 and $476 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $231 - $264 in fuel for the 495-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,026 in Santa Ana, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Reno?
- 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 Reno, NV
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Santa Ana, California, to Reno, Nevada. 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 $1,319 and $1,843.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $848 - $1,582
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $997 - $1,843
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,441
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $110 - $220 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Santa Ana, California, typically costs $1,026.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Reno?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically 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: Santa Ana, CA vs Reno, NV
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Reno, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 119 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,700/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $499,932 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $78,448/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 40/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 53.74/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Reno, NV to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Nevada in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 495-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Santa Ana, CA, to Reno, NV, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,168 - $7,962 on the 495-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $972 - $3,021 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $409 - $1,080 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,006 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amerco and Trane.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Reno, NV
How walkable is Reno?
Reno has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 52, 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 Reno, NV?
Costs on this route range from around $1,168 to $7,962, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,168 and $7,962, 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 Reno, NV?
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 Reno 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 Reno, NV 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.
