($1,201) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Santa Ana

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Santa Ana will cost between $1,201 and $4,477. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to Chicago will range from $3,389 to $7,229, and a large move from Chicago to Santa Ana will cost from $5,744 to $10,678.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Santa Ana

If you’re moving from Chicago to Santa Ana, expect to pay between $1,157 and $2,834 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,079 up to $4,279. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,849 and $5,773. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Santa Ana

Renting a moving truck from Chicago to Santa Ana is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,098 and $2,294. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,214 and $2,678. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,593 up to $3,311 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent is estimated to be 30% higher in Santa Ana compared to Chicago; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
• Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 185% greater in Santa Ana than in Chicago.
• Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 8% higher in Santa Ana than in Chicago, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Santa Ana, since the cost of living for a single person in Santa Ana is 74% higher than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• When relocating to Santa Ana, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Santa Ana is 20% greater than in Chicago.
• Santa Ana enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 22% lower compared to Chicago, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
• Sales taxes drop 10% in Santa Ana compared to Chicago, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
• Income taxes are 169% higher in California than in Illinois, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

• Santa Ana’s population is about 89% less than Chicago.
• Santa Ana’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Santa Ana is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Santa Ana has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Santa Ana’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 54.17 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Santa Ana is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 45.83 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Santa Ana is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: California doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Santa Ana. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

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

Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what Santa Ana has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Santa Ana, such as the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Santiago Park Nature — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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.