($992+) Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $992 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,035 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,790 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,413, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,035 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,480 - $5,469, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $992 - $2,867.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,160 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA
Moving options from Memphis to Santa Ana fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,160 - $7,359 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 63% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,790 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,790-mile route from Memphis to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,413 for a studio up to $11,035 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,480 - $5,469 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $992 - $2,867, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,266 - $4,291, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,790-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Santa Ana, California, with prices running from $2,413 - $11,035. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $353 - $2,352 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Memphis and Santa Ana are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Memphis movers tend to run around $334 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,413 - $5,189
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,160 - $7,359
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,967 - $11,035
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 Memphis to Santa Ana.
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 Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Santa Ana, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $588 - $5,880 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $235 - $1,411/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $353 - $2,822 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,176 - $3,528 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,940 - $11,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $881 - $1,673 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $1,176 - $2,940 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $941 - $4,116 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $353 - $1,764 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $764 - $2,352 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $353 - $17,640+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $353 - $4,116+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Santa Ana?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Memphis, TN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $1,480 and $5,469. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Memphis costs roughly $45/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,480 - $2,684
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,837 - $4,109
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,509 - $5,469
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $823 in Memphis, TN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $88 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $176 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Santa Ana, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to California 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 $1,480. 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 $1,837 - $4,109.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Santa Ana?
- 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,790 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Santa Ana, California, running $992 - $2,867. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $670 - $765
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Memphis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Memphis to Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $992 - $2,088
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,174 - $2,461
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,423 - $2,867
Pro tip: A rental truck from Memphis to Santa Ana looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $992 - $2,867. But once you factor in fuel ($670 - $765), overnight lodging ($176/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $88 and $412.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $176.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $670 and $765 for the 1,790-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $823 for 2 movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Santa Ana?
- 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 Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA
For larger DIY moves from Memphis, Tennessee, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Santa Ana, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,500 and $3,193.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,266 - $2,617
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,500 - $3,193
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,007 - $4,291
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $823.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $88 and $176 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Santa Ana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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: Memphis, TN vs Santa Ana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Ana, side by side with Memphis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 86 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,299/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $154,209 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $51,211/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 22.51/100 | 45.83/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 213 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 1,790-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Memphis, TN, to Santa Ana, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,413 - $11,035 on the 1,790-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,480 - $5,469 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $992 - $2,867 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,160 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Santa Ana, CA
Is Santa Ana a safe place to live?
Santa Ana has a safety index of 45.83 out of 100 and a crime index of 54.17, compared to 22.51 and 77.49 in Memphis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,174 - $2,461. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Ana?
For families, Meredith Parkwood, Fairbridge Square, and West Grove Valley are worth a look in Santa Ana. If you're moving solo or without kids, Fairbridge Square, South Coast, and Park Santiago tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Memphis?
Local movers based in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $125/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 Santa Ana run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.