($383+) Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Gilbert, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $354 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,968 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 379 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,183, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,968 or more.
- Moving containers run $975 - $3,071, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $354 - $933.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Gilbert, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,798 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 Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Moving options from Gilbert to Santa Ana fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,798 - $4,985 on this route, with movers handling 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 379-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 379-mile route from Gilbert to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,183 - $3,769 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($975 - $1,698), rental truck ($354 - $663), or freight trailer ($835 - $1,424). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,798 - $4,985 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $6,968.
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 Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
For the 379-mile move from Gilbert, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, full-service movers cost between $1,183 and $6,968. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $401 - $2,676 (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 Gilbert generally start around $140 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Gilbert to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,183 - $3,769
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,798 - $4,985
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,183 - $6,968
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 Gilbert to Santa Ana.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Gilbert 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 packing98% of local movers | $669 - $6,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage | $268 - $1,606/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $401 - $3,211 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,338 - $4,014 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,345 - $13,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,002 - $1,904 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage | $1,338 - $3,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Just-In Time Moving & Storage | $1,070 - $4,683 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $401 - $2,007 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Just-In Time Moving & Storage | $870 - $2,676 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $401 - $20,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $401 - $4,683+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Gilbert to Santa Ana?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in Gilbert, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Gilbert to Santa Ana with a local mover averages $1,815 - $5,034. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Gilbert, AZ can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.22/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Gilbert, based on our analysis of feedback from 144 customers, 83.3% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Gilbert, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $975 and $3,071. 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 Gilbert adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Gilbert to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $975 - $1,698
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,235 - $2,247
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,541 - $3,071
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Gilbert, AZ, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $937, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $100 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $201 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Gilbert, AZ, and Santa Ana, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $975. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,235 - $2,247, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Gilbert 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 Gilbert 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 Gilbert:
- Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 379-mile move from Gilbert, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, costs between $354 and $933, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $161 - $184
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Gilbert daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Gilbert to Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $354 - $663
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $409 - $827
- 4+ bedrooms: $513 - $933
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $354 - $933 does not include fuel ($161 - $184) , lodging ($201/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Gilbert to Santa Ana typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $201 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Gilbert, Arizona, usually costs about $937 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 379-mile drive falls between $161 and $184, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $67 and $401 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Gilbert 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 Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Gilbert, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $911 and $1,744.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Gilbert to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $835 - $1,424
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $911 - $1,744
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,271 - $2,387
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $100 and $201.
- 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 Gilbert, Arizona, for roughly five hours typically average $937.
What are the best freight companies from Gilbert to Santa Ana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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: Gilbert, AZ 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 Gilbert on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Gilbert, AZ | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 165 |
| Average rent | $2,250/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $518,558 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $121,351/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 29/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 85.23/100 | 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 Gilbert, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 97 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 379-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 379-mile route from Gilbert, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA, run $1,183 - $6,968 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $975 - $3,071, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $354 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,798, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Gilbert, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA
How long does a move from Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Gilbert, AZ to Santa Ana, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Gilbert, AZ 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.
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 85.23 and 14.77 in Gilbert. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 29 and 53 in Gilbert. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Gilbert movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Gilbert handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
