Santa Ana, CA to Wilmington, DE Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Wilmington typically costs $4,400–$9,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,700 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Santa Ana to Wilmington
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Wilmington, DE typically costs $4,400–$9,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,700-mile move from Santa Ana to Wilmington, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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 $6,615 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,437 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $4,181 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 21, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 01, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 22, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Santa Ana to Wilmington
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Santa Ana to Wilmington may only cost $2,900, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $13,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Santa Ana.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,800–$4,600), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Wilmington, DE to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Best Santa Ana to Wilmington movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Santa Ana to Wilmington
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Santa Ana to Wilmington. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 CA→DE movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Wilmington
Many movers find Wilmington easier on the wallet than Santa Ana - roughly 44% less for singles and 61% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,533 for one person in Wilmington versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it's $4,350 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $307,799 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $49,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $3,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.6% |
- Rent is about 32% less expensive in Wilmington than in Santa Ana, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 64% cheaper in Wilmington than in Santa Ana.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 36% less in Wilmington than in Santa Ana.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Wilmington. The cost of living for a single person there is 44% below that of Santa Ana.
- A move to Wilmington can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 61% lower compared to Santa Ana.
- Wilmington has a higher unemployment rate than Santa Ana by about 47%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Wilmington has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Santa Ana. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 50% less in Delaware compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Santa Ana versus Wilmington:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $126.92 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $44.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $3.05 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.56 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $33.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Wilmington.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Ana than in Wilmington.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Wilmington.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Wilmington.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Wilmington.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Wilmington.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Wilmington.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Wilmington
| Santa Ana | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 70,898 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 52 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 67.32 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 32.68 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Wilmington's population is about 77% less than Santa Ana.
- Wilmington's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana's score of 7.
- Wilmington is more walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 out of 100.
- Wilmington has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Wilmington's crime rate is higher than Santa Ana with a score of 67.32 compared to Santa Ana's 54.17. This means that Wilmington neighborhoods are safer than 67.32% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Wilmington is considered to be less safe than Santa Ana with a score of 32.68 vs Santa Ana's 45.83.
- Air quality in Wilmington is Good, and in Santa Ana it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Wilmington move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Delaware, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Delaware, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Wilmington. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover's responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you're concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you've chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Wilmington
With your sights set on Chemical Capital of the World, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Wilmington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Trolley Square
- Happy Valley
- Midtown Brandywine
- Delaware Avenue
- Trinity Vicinity
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forty Acres
- Happy Valley
- Trolley Square
- Lower Highlands
- Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts
Things to do in Wilmington
With your move to Delaware complete, you can dive right into experiencing Wilmington. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Wilmington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children's Museum, and Delaware Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB)Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Wilmington?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Santa Ana to Wilmington. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Wilmington?
Want to save on your move from Santa Ana to Wilmington? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Wilmington take?
The 2,700-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to Wilmington, DE, takes seven to 21 days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Wilmington.
What kinds of discounts do Santa Ana movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Santa Ana?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 74 movers in Santa Ana provide piano moving services. 61 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
