Winston-Salem, NC to Santa Ana, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana typically costs $3,900–$8,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,436 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana
Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Santa Ana, CA typically costs $3,900–$8,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,436-mile move from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $4,008 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $7,049 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $8,871 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 15, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 18, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 29, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Winston-Salem to Santa Ana move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,600 for a one-bedroom, or up to $12,400 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Winston-Salem.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,500 to $4,200, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Santa Ana, CA to Winston-Salem, NC guide.
Best Winston-Salem to Santa Ana movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NC→CA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 115 North Carolina movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Santa Ana runs about 162% higher for singles and 112% higher for families than Winston-Salem.
Singles spend around $6,333 in Santa Ana versus $2,420 in Winston-Salem; families pay $11,160 compared with $5,265.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Winston-Salem | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,490 | $2,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,260 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $248,806 | $843,858 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,431 | $77,283 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,420 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,265 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Santa Ana? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 104% higher than in Winston-Salem, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Santa Ana are about 239% higher than those in Winston-Salem.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 24% higher in Santa Ana compared to Winston-Salem, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Santa Ana, as living costs for a single person are 162% higher than in Winston-Salem. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Santa Ana, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Santa Ana is 112% higher than in Winston-Salem.
- Santa Ana shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Winston-Salem by around 35%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Santa Ana are 32% more than in Winston-Salem, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 196% above those in North Carolina. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Winston-Salem and Santa Ana:
| Living Expense | Winston-Salem | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $188.00 | $200.96 |
| Cell phone plan | $52.67 | $54.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.95 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $17.50 | $25.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Winston-Salem than in Santa Ana, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Winston-Salem than in Santa Ana.
- Eggs are less expensive in Winston-Salem than in Santa Ana.
- Bread costs less in Winston-Salem than in Santa Ana.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Winston-Salem than in Santa Ana.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Winston-Salem than in Santa Ana.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Winston-Salem than in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Santa Ana
| Winston-Salem | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,545 | 310,227 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 22 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 29 | 62 |
| Crime index | 32.67 | 54.17 |
| Safety index | 67.33 | 45.83 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Santa Ana's population is about 24% greater than Winston-Salem.
- Santa Ana's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Winston-Salem's score of 3.
- Santa Ana is more walkable than Winston-Salem with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Winston-Salem's 22 out of 100.
- With a score of 62 out of 100, Santa Ana is more bike-friendly than Winston-Salem, which has a score of 29 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 Winston-Salem with a score of 54.17 compared to Winston-Salem's 32.67. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67%.
- Santa Ana is considered to be less safe than Winston-Salem with a score of 45.83 vs Winston-Salem's 67.33.
- Air quality in Santa Ana is Moderate, and in Winston-Salem it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Winston-Salem to Santa Ana move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Santa Ana. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Santa Ana
Planning your move to ? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Santa Ana has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Santa Ana features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Santiago Park Nature — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Winston-Salem to Santa Ana?
Planning your move from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Winston-Salem.
When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana?
Because most people are moving from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana take?
The 2,436-mile journey from Winston-Salem, NC to Santa Ana, CA, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Winston-Salem offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Santa Ana.
Are there special savings available from movers in Winston-Salem?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Winston-Salem?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Winston-Salem, 15 movers can manage piano relocations. 10 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Carolina has 77 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
