($1,462+) Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA ranges from $1,352 to $12,260, with an average cost of $4,450. Moves can be as low as $1,462 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,661 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 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 Arlington, VA
Moving options from Santa Ana to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,352 - $12,260 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,450, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 57% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,661 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,661-mile route from Santa Ana to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,352 - $5,819 | $1,835 - $3,455 | $1,491 - $2,719 | $1,634 - $3,366 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,863 - $7,377 | $2,474 - $4,757 | $1,646 - $3,271 | $1,980 - $3,926 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,980 - $12,260 | $3,245 - $7,093 | $2,100 - $4,013 | $2,702 - $5,565 |
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 Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA
Hiring full-service movers from Santa Ana, California, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $1,352 and $12,260. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,661-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $494 - $3,292, 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 Arlington. 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 Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,352 - $5,819
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,863 - $7,377
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,980 - $12,260
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 Arlington.
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 Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $823 - $8,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $329 - $1,975/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $494 - $3,950 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,646 - $4,938 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,115 - $16,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,233 - $2,342 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,646 - $4,115 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,317 - $5,761 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $494 - $2,469 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,070 - $3,292 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $494 - $24,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $494 - $5,761+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Arlington?
Movers licensed to operate in Virginia are typically members of the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 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 Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,835 and $7,093. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Santa Ana runs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,835 - $3,455
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,474 - $4,757
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,245 - $7,093
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $123 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $247 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $1,152 in Santa Ana, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Arlington, VA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Virginia 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 $1,835. 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 $2,474 - $4,757.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Arlington?
- 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:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA
Plan on $1,491 - $4,013 for a rental moving truck on the 2,661-mile route from Santa Ana, California, to Arlington, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,394 - $1,593
- Daily insurance: $49/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $33
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,491 - $2,719
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,646 - $3,271
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,100 - $4,013
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,491 - $4,013 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Santa Ana to Arlington. Fuel ($1,394 - $1,593), lodging at around $247/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $247 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Santa Ana, California, usually costs about $1,152 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,661-mile drive falls between $1,394 and $1,593, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $82 and $494 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Santa Ana, California, to Arlington, Virginia, 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 $1,980 and $3,926.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,634 - $3,366
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,980 - $3,926
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,702 - $5,565
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $123 and $247.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Santa Ana, California, for roughly five hours typically average $1,152.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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: Santa Ana, CA vs Arlington, VA
Day-to-day costs in Arlington are close to what you're used to in Santa Ana: cost of living index of 164 versus 165, with average rent of $2,718/mo compared to $2,650/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 67/100 and 45.83/100 in Santa Ana versus 71/100 and 79.15/100 in Arlington.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA 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 Virginia, 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 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,661-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Santa Ana, CA, to Arlington, VA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,352 - $12,260 on the 2,661-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,835 - $7,093, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,491 - $4,013. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,863 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Arlington, VA
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 is the best time of year to move from Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,394 - $1,593), daily insurance ($49/day), and equipment rentals ($12 - $33) on top. Overnight stops can add another $247/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Arlington?
Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, 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 percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.