Santa Ana, CA to Winston-Salem, NC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem typically costs $4,400–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,451 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Winston-Salem, NC typically costs $4,400–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,451-mile move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem, 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
- PODS recently quoted $2,602 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $6,474 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,980 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 13, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 02, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 24, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 29, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Santa Ana to Winston-Salem move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,900 for a one-bedroom, or up to $13,200 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Santa Ana.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,600 to $4,500, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Best Santa Ana to Winston-Salem movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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→NC movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 372 California movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem
Many movers find Winston-Salem easier on the wallet than Santa Ana - roughly 62% less for singles and 53% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,420 for one person in Winston-Salem versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it's $5,265 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,490 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,260 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $248,806 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $62,431 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $2,420 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $5,265 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- When relocating from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem, expect to find rent about 51% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 71% more affordable in Winston-Salem compared to Santa Ana.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 19% lower in Winston-Salem compared to Santa Ana.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Winston-Salem, as the cost of living for a single person is 62% lower compared to Santa Ana.
- A move to Winston-Salem can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 53% less than what it costs in Santa Ana.
- The unemployment rate in Winston-Salem is about 26% lower than in Santa Ana. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 24% less in Winston-Salem relative to Santa Ana. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in North Carolina are 66% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Santa Ana and Winston-Salem:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $188.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $52.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $17.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Winston-Salem.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Ana than in Winston-Salem.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Winston-Salem.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Winston-Salem.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Winston-Salem.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Winston-Salem.
- Gym memberships cost more in Santa Ana than in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Winston-Salem
| Santa Ana | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 249,545 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 22 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 29 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 32.67 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 67.33 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Winston-Salem's population is about 20% less than Santa Ana.
- Winston-Salem's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana's score of 7.
- Winston-Salem is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 22 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 out of 100.
- Winston-Salem has a bike-friendliness score of 29 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Winston-Salem's crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 32.67 compared to Santa Ana's 54.17. This means that Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Winston-Salem is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 67.33 vs Santa Ana's 45.83.
- Air quality in Winston-Salem is Good, and in Santa Ana it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Winston-Salem move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: North Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Winston-Salem. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Winston-Salem
Planning your move to Camel City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Winston-Salem.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West End
- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- Old Salem
- Washington Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- West Highlands
- West Salem
Things to do in Winston-Salem
After settling into your new North Carolina home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Winston-Salem has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Winston-Salem features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Frank L Horton Museum Center, Kaleideum Downtown, and Kaleideum North.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's REYNOLDA ESTATE, SALEM LAKE, QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, and POLO PARK — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA)Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East)Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL)Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League)Wake Forest (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem?
Planning your move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem?
Because most people are moving from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem take?
The 2,451-mile journey from Santa Ana, CA to Winston-Salem, NC, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Santa Ana offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Winston-Salem.
Are there special savings available from movers in Santa Ana?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 3 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Santa Ana?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Santa Ana, 74 movers can manage piano relocations. 61 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
