Top local movers for Santa Ana to Lafayette moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Santa Ana that also provides long-distance services to Lafayette can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 93 local movers in Santa Ana who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Santa Ana to Lafayette.
- 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 Lafayette?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 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 | $1,276 – $5,029 | $1,078 – $2,530 | $1,009 – $2,038 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,152 – $7,012 | $1,980 – $3,774 | $1,091 – $2,401 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,915 – $9,855 | $2,600 – $5,117 | $1,390 – $2,740 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Lafayette
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Lafayette typically costs between $1,276 and $5,029. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,152 and $7,012 when moving from Santa Ana to Lafayette. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Santa Ana to Lafayette, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,915 up to $9,855.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Lafayette
If you’re relocating from Santa Ana to Lafayette, you’ll typically spend between $1,078 and $2,530 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,980 up to $3,774. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,600 and $5,117. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Lafayette
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Santa Ana to Lafayette 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 $1,009 and $2,038. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,091 to $2,401. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,390 and $2,740.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Santa Ana to Lafayette
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Santa Ana to Lafayette might be as low as $2,409, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,040.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Santa Ana.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,009 to $2,477 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Lafayette
Many movers find Lafayette easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 72% less for singles and 62% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,785 for one person in Lafayette versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $4,208 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $1,725 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $214,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $59,490 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $1,785 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $4,208 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 9.45% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 7% higher in Lafayette than in Santa Ana, which may impact your monthly finances.
- With home prices being nearly 75% cheaper in Lafayette, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 23% lower in Lafayette than in Santa Ana.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Lafayette. The cost of living for a single person is 72% less compared to Santa Ana.
- Relocating to Lafayette could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 62% lower than in Santa Ana.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 17% lower than Santa Ana, Lafayette boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Lafayette and Santa Ana (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- Income taxes are 68% lower in Louisiana than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Santa Ana and Lafayette, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $52.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $2.99 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $76.11 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $61.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Santa Ana than in Lafayette, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Ana than in Lafayette.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Lafayette.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Lafayette.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Lafayette.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Lafayette.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Lafayette.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Lafayette
| Santa Ana | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 121,374 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 47 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 45.75 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 54.25 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Lafayette’s population is about 61% less than Santa Ana.
- Lafayette’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
- Lafayette is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- Lafayette has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Lafayette’s crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 45.75 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Lafayette is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 54.25 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
- Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Lafayette 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: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Louisiana moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Louisiana, 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 Lafayette 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. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Lafayette
Ready to relocate to The Hub City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Lafayette.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Saint Streets
- Freetown-Port Rico
- Downtown Lafayette
- Scott
- Youngsville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Youngsville
- Erath
- Maurice
- Broussard
- Milton
- Scott
- Cade
Things to do in Lafayette
Now that you’ve made the move to Louisiana, it’s the perfect time to explore Lafayette. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Lafayette include museums and art centers like the Lafayette Science Museum, Acadian Cultural Center, Children’s Museum of Acadiana, and Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center, 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 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Lafayette?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Santa Ana to Lafayette. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Lafayette?
With many people choosing to move from Santa Ana to Lafayette 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 Santa Ana to Lafayette take?
Covering 1,745 miles, the move from Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, typically takes four to 15 days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Lafayette can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Santa Ana offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Santa Ana can handle specialty items for my move to Lafayette?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Santa Ana, 73 movers can handle pianos. 60 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 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
Santa Ana moving services
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