($1,107+) Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $1,107 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,700 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,508, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,700 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,585 - $5,408, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,107 - $2,917.
- 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 $3,350 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,350 - $7,878 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,790 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,508 - $5,390 | $1,585 - $3,054 | $1,107 - $2,003 | $1,455 - $2,748 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,350 - $7,878 | $1,988 - $3,983 | $1,162 - $2,434 | $1,639 - $3,153 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,453 - $11,700 | $2,882 - $5,408 | $1,449 - $2,917 | $2,195 - $4,549 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,790-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Santa Ana, California, with costs ranging from $2,508 - $11,700. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $353 - $2,352. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Memphis and Santa Ana. Local movers in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,508 - $5,390
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,350 - $7,878
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,453 - $11,700
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 — 100% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Santa Ana, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $588 - $5,880 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $235 - $1,411/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $353 - $2,822 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% 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 items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $1,176 - $2,940 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $941 - $4,116 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $353 - $1,764 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Spyder Moving and Storage | $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?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Memphis, TN. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $1,585 and $5,408. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Santa Ana. If you go over that window, storage in Memphis adds around $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,585 - $3,054
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,988 - $3,983
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,882 - $5,408
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 $1,585. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,988 - $3,983, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- Cord Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 106 years in business
- Spyder Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,790-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Santa Ana, California, costs between $1,107 and $2,917, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $1,107 - $2,003
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,162 - $2,434
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,449 - $2,917
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,107 - $2,917 does not include fuel ($670 - $765) , lodging ($176/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Memphis to Santa Ana typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $670 - $765 for the 1,790-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $823.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,790-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $176 per night, adding $353 - $529 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $59 and $353.
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
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Memphis, Tennessee, to Santa Ana, California, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,639 and $3,153.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,455 - $2,748
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,639 - $3,153
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,195 - $4,549
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?
- 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 $88 and $176.
- 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 Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly five hours typically average $823.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Santa Ana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Empire Express, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Empire Express, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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 moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to California, 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. Tennessee alone has 70 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,790-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Memphis, TN, to Santa Ana, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,508 for a studio to $11,700 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,790-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,585 - $5,408. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,107 - $2,917, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,350 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
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 walkable is Santa Ana?
Santa Ana has a walkability score of 67 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 62, compared to 35 and 41 in Memphis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
