Top local movers for Santa Ana to Detroit moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Santa Ana that also provides long-distance services to Detroit 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 Detroit.
- 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 Detroit?
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 | $1,303 – $4,922 | $1,270 – $2,999 | $1,241 – $2,471 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,580 – $7,439 | $2,302 – $4,539 | $1,328 – $2,882 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,592 – $11,731 | $3,042 – $6,151 | $1,782 – $3,750 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Detroit
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Detroit typically costs between $1,303 and $4,922. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,580 and $7,439 when moving from Santa Ana to Detroit. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Santa Ana to Detroit, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,592 up to $11,731.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Detroit
If you’re relocating from Santa Ana to Detroit, you’ll typically spend between $1,270 and $2,999 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,302 up to $4,539. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,042 and $6,151. 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 Detroit
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Santa Ana to Detroit 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 $1,241 and $2,471. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,328 to $2,882. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,782 and $3,750.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Santa Ana to Detroit
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 Detroit might be as low as $2,710, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,416.
- 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 $1,241 to $3,192 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Detroit
Many movers find Detroit easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 61% less for singles and 40% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,500 for one person in Detroit versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $6,687 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- Good news! When moving to Detroit from Santa Ana, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 53% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 91% cheaper in Detroit, 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 51% lower in Detroit than in Santa Ana.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Detroit. The cost of living for a single person is 61% less compared to Santa Ana.
- Relocating to Detroit could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 40% lower than in Santa Ana.
- The unemployment rate in Detroit exceeds that of Santa Ana by about 29%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 35% lower in Detroit than Santa Ana, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 68% lower in Michigan 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 Detroit, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Santa Ana than in Detroit, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Detroit.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Detroit.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Detroit
| Santa Ana | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 52 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 106% greater than Santa Ana.
- Detroit’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Santa Ana, making them very similar.
- Detroit is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- Detroit 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.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Santa Ana with a score of 72.92 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Santa Ana with a score of 27.08 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Detroit 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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, 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 Detroit 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. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Detroit
Ready to relocate to America’s Comeback City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Detroit.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Corktown
- Brush Park
- Woodbridge
- Downtown
- Lafayette Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Palmer Woods
- University District
- Corktown
- Lafayette Park
Things to do in Detroit
Now that you’ve made the move to Michigan, it’s the perfect time to explore Detroit. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Detroit include museums and art centers like the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and Detroit Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park, 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 Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Detroit?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Santa Ana to Detroit. 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 Detroit?
With many people choosing to move from Santa Ana to Detroit 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 Detroit take?
Covering 2,278 miles, the move from Santa Ana, CA to Detroit, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Detroit 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 Detroit?
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
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