The best local movers for Santa Ana to Chicago moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Santa Ana that also handles long-distance moves to Chicago. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 93 local movers in Santa Ana who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Santa Ana to Chicago.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Chicago?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,199 – $4,854 | $1,088 – $2,720 | $1,109 – $2,271 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,225 – $7,671 | $2,120 – $3,985 | $1,201 – $2,757 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,168 – $10,569 | $2,877 – $5,943 | $1,500 – $3,150 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Chicago
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Chicago will cost between $1,199 and $4,854. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Santa Ana will range from $3,225 to $7,671, and a large move from Santa Ana to Chicago will cost from $6,168 to $10,569.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Chicago
If you’re moving from Santa Ana to Chicago, expect to pay between $1,088 and $2,720 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,120 up to $3,985. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,877 and $5,943. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Chicago
Renting a moving truck from Santa Ana to Chicago is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,109 and $2,271. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,201 and $2,757. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,500 up to $3,150 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Santa Ana to Chicago
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,476, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,802.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Santa Ana, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,109–$2,993) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Chicago
Many movers find Chicago easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 42% less for singles and 17% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,648 for one person in Chicago versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $9,266 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
- If you’re heading to Chicago from Santa Ana, you’ll find that rent is roughly 23% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 65% less in Chicago than in Santa Ana.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 7% lower in Chicago compared to Santa Ana.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chicago. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 42% lower than in Santa Ana.
- Choosing to move to Chicago can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 17% less than in Santa Ana.
- In Chicago, the unemployment rate is approximately 29% higher than in Santa Ana, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 11% in Chicago over Santa Ana, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 63% less in Illinois than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Santa Ana and Chicago:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Chicago.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Chicago.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Chicago.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Chicago.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Chicago
| Santa Ana | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 72 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 785% greater than Santa Ana.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
- Chicago is more walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Santa Ana, which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 35.19 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Santa Ana with a score of 33.87 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Chi-Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
Once you’re settled into your new home in Illinois, it’s time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Chicago?
The best time to move from Santa Ana to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Chicago?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Santa Ana to Chicago, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Chicago take?
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, covers 2,012 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Santa Ana movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chicago.
Which movers in Santa Ana give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Santa Ana?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 73 movers in Santa Ana advertise piano moving expertise. 60 movers in Santa Ana provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Santa Ana moving services
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