Santa Ana, CA to Austin, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Austin typically costs $3,000–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,362 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Santa Ana to Austin
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Austin, TX typically costs $3,000–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,362-mile move from Santa Ana to Austin, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,213 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,363 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,898 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 23, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 07, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 05, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 05, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Santa Ana to Austin
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Santa Ana to Austin might be as low as $2,600, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,100.
- 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 $900 to $2,800 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Austin, TX to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Best Santa Ana to Austin movers by type
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Best professional movers from Santa Ana to Austin
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Santa Ana to Austin, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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→TX movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Austin
Many movers find Austin easier on the wallet than Santa Ana - roughly 47% less for singles and 30% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,345 for one person in Austin versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it's $7,815 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $2,208 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,827 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Austin from Santa Ana, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 33% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 40% cheaper in Austin, 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 12% lower in Austin than in Santa Ana.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Austin. The cost of living for a single person is 47% less compared to Santa Ana.
- Relocating to Austin could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 30% lower than in Santa Ana.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 50% lower than Santa Ana, Austin boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 11% lower in Austin than Santa Ana, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Santa Ana and Austin, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $181.48 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $61.16 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $62.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Austin.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Austin.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Austin.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Austin.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Austin.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Austin.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Austin.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Austin
| Santa Ana | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 974,447 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 54 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 42.91 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 59.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Austin's population is about 214% greater than Santa Ana.
- Austin's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana's score of 7.
- Austin is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 out of 100.
- Austin has a bike-friendliness score of 54 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Austin's crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 42.91 compared to Santa Ana's 54.17. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 59.87 vs Santa Ana's 45.83.
- Air quality in Austin is Good, and in Santa Ana it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Austin 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Texas, 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 Austin 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 Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Austin
Ready to relocate to ATX? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
Now that you've made the move to Texas, it's the perfect time to explore Austin. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Austin include museums and art centers like the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, and Blanton Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls, 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 Round Rock ExpressAustin SpursTexas StarsAustin OutlawsAustin HunsAustin GilgronisAustin Bold FCAustin FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Austin?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Santa Ana to Austin. 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 Austin?
With many people choosing to move from Santa Ana to Austin 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 Austin take?
Covering 1,362 miles, the move from Santa Ana, CA to Austin, TX typically takes three to eight days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Austin 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. 3 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 Austin?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Santa Ana, 74 movers can handle pianos. 61 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
