($721+) Santa Ana, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Tacoma, WA ranges from $1,221 to $8,371, with an average cost of $3,200. Moves can be as low as $721 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,137 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 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 Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Santa Ana to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,221 - $8,371 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,200, 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 1,137 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,137-mile route from Santa Ana to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,221 - $4,880 | $1,263 - $2,290 | $721 - $1,401 | $1,148 - $2,040 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,702 - $6,455 | $1,725 - $3,321 | $803 - $1,683 | $1,328 - $2,657 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,764 - $8,371 | $2,311 - $4,562 | $1,009 - $2,091 | $1,689 - $3,337 |
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 Tacoma, WA
Hiring full-service movers from Santa Ana, California, to Tacoma, Washington, costs between $1,221 and $8,371. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,137-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $445 - $2,964, 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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,221 - $4,880
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,702 - $6,455
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,764 - $8,371
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 Tacoma.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tacoma, 97% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $741 - $7,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $296 - $1,778/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $445 - $3,557 |
| 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 | $1,482 - $4,446 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,705 - $14,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,110 - $2,109 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,482 - $3,705 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,186 - $5,187 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $445 - $2,223 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $963 - $2,964 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $445 - $22,230+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $445 - $5,187+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Tacoma?
Look for Washington Movers Conference membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Washington beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Santa Ana, CA. 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 Santa Ana, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,263 and $4,562. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Santa Ana typically runs around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,263 - $2,290
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,725 - $3,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,311 - $4,562
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 Santa Ana, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,037, 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 $111 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $222 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Santa Ana, CA, and Tacoma, WA, 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 California to Washington 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 $1,263. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,725 - $3,321, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Tacoma?
- 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 Tacoma, WA
A rental truck for this 1,137-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Tacoma, Washington, costs between $721 and $2,091. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $536 - $613
- Daily insurance: $44/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $30
- 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 Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $721 - $1,401
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $803 - $1,683
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,009 - $2,091
Pro tip: The base rate of $721 - $2,091 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Santa Ana to Tacoma. Fuel ($536 - $613) , lodging at around $222/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Santa Ana, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,037.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $536 - $613 for the 1,137-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 $89 and $482, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $222 per night for hotel stops on the 1,137-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $445 - $667.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Tacoma?
- 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 Tacoma, WA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Santa Ana, California, to Tacoma, Washington, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,328 and $2,657.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,148 - $2,040
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,328 - $2,657
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,689 - $3,337
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Santa Ana, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,037.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $111 - $222 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 Santa Ana to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Tacoma quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs Tacoma, WA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tacoma, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 123 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $454,577 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $83,857/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 44.45/100 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Washington, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,137-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Santa Ana, CA, to Tacoma, WA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,221 for a studio to $8,371 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,137-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,263 - $4,562. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $721 - $2,091, 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 $2,702 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 Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Tacoma, WA
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 Tacoma run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Santa Ana, CA to Tacoma, WA?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Tacoma, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,221 to $8,371, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,221 and $8,371, 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.
How walkable is Tacoma?
Tacoma has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, 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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($536 - $613), daily insurance ($44/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $30) on top. Overnight stops can add another $222/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.
