($1,150+) Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN ranges from $1,331 to $11,041, with an average cost of $3,950. Moves can be as low as $1,150 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,790 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 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 Memphis, TN
Moving options from Santa Ana to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,331 - $11,041 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,790 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,790-mile route from Santa Ana to Memphis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,331 - $5,399 | $1,647 - $2,905 | $1,139 - $2,024 | $1,370 - $2,615 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,355 - $7,430 | $1,968 - $4,066 | $1,233 - $2,534 | $1,655 - $3,286 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,269 - $11,041 | $2,910 - $5,353 | $1,539 - $2,978 | $2,283 - $4,683 |
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 Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,790-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, with prices running from $1,331 - $11,041. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $400 - $2,668 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Santa Ana and Memphis are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Santa Ana movers tend to run around $185 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,331 - $5,399
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,355 - $7,430
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,269 - $11,041
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 Memphis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Tennessee. 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 Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Memphis, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $667 - $6,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $267 - $1,601/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $400 - $3,202 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,334 - $4,002 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,335 - $13,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $999 - $1,898 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,334 - $3,335 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,067 - $4,669 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $400 - $2,001 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $867 - $2,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $400 - $20,010+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $400 - $4,669+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Memphis?
- 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 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 Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,647 and $5,353. 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 Memphis. If you go over that window, storage in Santa Ana adds around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,647 - $2,905
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,968 - $4,066
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,910 - $5,353
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Ana, CA and Memphis, TN. 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 $934 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 $100 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $200 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 Tennessee 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 $1,647. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,968 - $4,066, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Memphis?
- 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:
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN
Plan on $1,139 - $2,978 for a rental moving truck on the 1,790-mile route from Santa Ana, California, to Memphis, Tennessee. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $760 - $868
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- 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 Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,139 - $2,024
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,233 - $2,534
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,539 - $2,978
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,139 - $2,978 when pricing out a rental truck from Santa Ana to Memphis. Fuel alone runs ($760 - $868) , and overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $760 - $868 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 Santa Ana, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $934.
- 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 $200 per night, adding $400 - $600 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $67 and $400.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Memphis?
- 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 Memphis, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Santa Ana, California, to Memphis, Tennessee. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,201 and $3,286.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,370 - $2,615
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,655 - $3,286
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,283 - $4,683
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $100 - $200 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Santa Ana, California, typically costs $934.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Memphis?
- 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.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Memphis fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs Memphis, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Memphis, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 86 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,299/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $154,209 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $51,211/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 22.51/100 |
| 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 Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,790-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Santa Ana, CA, to Memphis, TN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,331 for a studio to $11,041 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 $1,647 - $5,353. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,139 - $2,978, 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 $3,355 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 FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Memphis, TN
How walkable is Memphis?
Memphis has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Memphis?
For families, Bartlett, Cordova, and East Memphis are worth a look in Memphis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Binghampton, Cooper-Young, and Crosstown tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?
Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
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 Memphis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 78% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
