($939+) Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX ranges from $1,258 to $9,068, with an average cost of $3,450. Moves can be as low as $939 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,534 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX
Moving options from Santa Ana to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,258 - $9,068 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,450, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 67% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,534 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,534-mile route from Santa Ana to Houston, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,258 - $5,130 | $1,320 - $2,603 | $911 - $1,712 | $1,274 - $2,319 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,977 - $6,745 | $1,755 - $3,421 | $976 - $1,996 | $1,404 - $2,737 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,350 - $9,068 | $2,463 - $4,812 | $1,254 - $2,591 | $2,028 - $4,042 |
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 Houston, TX
For the 1,534-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Houston, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,258 and $9,068. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $413 - $2,756 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Santa Ana generally start around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,258 - $5,130
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,977 - $6,745
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,350 - $9,068
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 Houston.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Houston, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $689 - $6,890 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $276 - $1,654/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $413 - $3,307 |
| 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 | $1,378 - $4,134 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,445 - $13,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,032 - $1,961 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,378 - $3,445 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,102 - $4,823 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $413 - $2,067 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $896 - $2,756 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $413 - $20,670+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $413 - $4,823+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Houston?
Look for Southwest Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Texas 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 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 Houston, TX
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,320 and $4,812. 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 Santa Ana costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,320 - $2,603
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,755 - $3,421
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,463 - $4,812
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Ana, CA and Houston, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $965 in Santa Ana, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $103 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $207 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Texas 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 $1,320. 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 $1,755 - $3,421.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
Plan on $911 - $2,591 for a rental moving truck on the 1,534-mile route from Santa Ana, California, to Houston, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $673 - $769
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- 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 Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $911 - $1,712
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $976 - $1,996
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,254 - $2,591
Pro tip: A rental truck from Santa Ana to Houston looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $911 - $2,591. But once you factor in fuel ($673 - $769), overnight lodging ($207/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Santa Ana, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $965.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $673 - $769 for the 1,534-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $83 and $448, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $207 per night for hotel stops on the 1,534-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $413 - $620.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Santa Ana, California, to Houston, Texas, 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 $1,404 and $2,737.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,274 - $2,319
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,404 - $2,737
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,028 - $4,042
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Santa Ana, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $965.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $103 - $207 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Houston?
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Santa Ana to Houston, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs Houston, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Houston, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 97 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,549/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $258,925 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $62,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 47/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 36.5/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Houston, TX 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 Texas, 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 1,534-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,534-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to Houston, TX, costs between $1,258 and $9,068 with full-service movers, $1,320 - $4,812 with a moving container, and $911 - $2,591 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,977 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Houston, TX
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX?
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 do local movers charge in Santa Ana?
Local movers based in Santa Ana typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $75/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 Houston run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 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 are the best neighborhoods in Houston?
For families, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, and Kingwood are worth a look in Houston. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Greenway/Upper Kirby, and Montrose tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX?
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 $976 - $1,996. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.