($1,435+) Jersey City, NJ to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $1,435 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,626 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,771 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,268, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,626 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,895 - $7,279, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,435 - $4,194.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,596 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Jersey City, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
Moving options from Jersey City to Santa Ana fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,596 - $7,363 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 32% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 54% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,771-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,771-mile route from Jersey City to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,268 - $5,750 with full-service movers, $1,895 - $3,686 with a container, $1,435 - $2,900 with a rental truck, or $1,791 - $3,121 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,596 - $7,363 full-service, $2,433 - $4,876 by container, $1,669 - $3,591 by rental truck, or $1,888 - $4,270 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,765 - $10,626 full-service, $3,492 - $7,279 by container, $1,965 - $4,194 by rental truck, or $2,767 - $5,711 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Jersey City, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
For the 2,771-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Santa Ana, California, full-service movers cost between $2,268 and $10,626. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $450 - $3,000 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Jersey City generally start around $256 plus $139 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,268 - $5,750
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,596 - $7,363
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,765 - $10,626
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 Jersey City to Santa Ana.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Santa Ana, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $750 - $7,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $300 - $1,800/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $450 - $3,600 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,500 - $4,500 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,750 - $15,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,124 - $2,135 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,500 - $3,750 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,200 - $5,250 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $450 - $2,250 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $975 - $3,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $450 - $22,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $450 - $5,250+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Santa Ana?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Jersey City, NJ. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Jersey City, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $1,895 and $7,279. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Jersey City typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,895 - $3,686
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,433 - $4,876
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,492 - $7,279
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Jersey City, NJ, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,050, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $113 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $225 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Jersey City, NJ, and Santa Ana, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to California 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 $1,895. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,433 - $4,876.
What are the best moving containers Jersey City to Santa Ana?
- 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,771-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Santa Ana, California, costs between $1,435 and $4,194, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,323 - $1,511
- Daily insurance: $45/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $30
- Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| 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 Jersey City to Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,435 - $2,900
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,669 - $3,591
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,965 - $4,194
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,435 - $4,194 when pricing out a rental truck from Jersey City to Santa Ana. Fuel alone runs $1,323 - $1,511, and overnight lodging ($225/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,050.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,323 - $1,511 for the 2,771-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $90 and $488, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $225 per night for hotel stops on the 2,771-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $450 - $675.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City to Santa Ana?
- 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 Jersey City, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Santa Ana, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,888 and $4,270.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,791 - $3,121
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,888 - $4,270
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,767 - $5,711
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Jersey City, New Jersey, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,050.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $113 - $225 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Santa Ana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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: Jersey City, NJ vs Santa Ana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Ana, side by side with Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Jersey City, NJ | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 140 | 165 |
| Average rent | $2,975/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $538,163 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $94,813/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 87/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 56.79/100 | 45.83/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Santa Ana, CA to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from New Jersey to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 315 movers in New Jersey, so you have real options to compare for this 2,771-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Santa Ana, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,268 for a studio to $10,626 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,771-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,895 - $7,279. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,435 - $4,194, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,596 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Santa Ana, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,323 - $1,511), daily insurance ($45/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $30) on top. Overnight stops can add another $225/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Jersey City, NJ to Santa Ana, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,669 - $3,591. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Jersey City, NJ to Santa Ana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,435 to $10,626, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,268 and $10,626, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Jersey City?
Local movers based in Jersey City typically start around $256 as a base rate, plus $139/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 Santa Ana run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.