($336+) Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $336 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,309 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 366 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 $994, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,309 or more.
- Moving containers run $856 - $2,606, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $336 - $863.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,784 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 Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Tempe to Santa Ana: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,784 - $4,618. Containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 79% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 366 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 366-mile route from Tempe to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $994 - $3,646 | $856 - $1,611 | $336 - $626 | $778 - $1,352 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,784 - $4,618 | $1,128 - $2,154 | $376 - $765 | $893 - $1,672 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,614 - $6,309 | $1,449 - $2,606 | $435 - $863 | $1,158 - $2,150 |
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 Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
For the 366-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, full-service movers cost between $994 and $6,309. 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 Tempe generally start around $200 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $994 - $3,646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,784 - $4,618
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,614 - $6,309
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 Tempe to Santa Ana.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Santa Ana, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $669 - $6,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $268 - $1,606/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $401 - $3,211 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% 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 items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,338 - $3,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Get Your Move On | $1,070 - $4,683 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $401 - $2,007 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $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 Tempe to Santa Ana?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Tempe, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Tempe to Santa Ana with a local mover averages $1,855 - $4,802. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Tempe, AZ often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.28/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Tempe, based on our analysis of feedback from 146 customers, 82.9% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $856 and $2,606. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Tempe runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $856 - $1,611
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,128 - $2,154
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,449 - $2,606
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $100 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $201 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Santa Ana, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $937 in Tempe, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $856. 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 $1,128 - $2,154.
What are the best moving containers Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 366 miles from Tempe, Arizona, to Santa Ana, California, running $336 - $863. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $156 - $178
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Tempe 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 Tempe to Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $336 - $626
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $376 - $765
- 4+ bedrooms: $435 - $863
Pro tip: The base rate of $336 - $863 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tempe to Santa Ana. Fuel ($156 - $178), lodging at around $201/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $201 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $87 and $435 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $156 - $178 in fuel for the 366-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $937 in Tempe, Arizona, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA
For larger DIY moves from Tempe, Arizona, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Santa Ana, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $893 and $1,672.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $778 - $1,352
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $893 - $1,672
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,158 - $2,150
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 - $201 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 Tempe, Arizona, typically costs $937.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe 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.
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: Tempe, 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 Tempe on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tempe, AZ | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,834/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $421,086 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $77,643/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 57.64/100 | 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 Tempe, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, 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. Arizona alone has 242 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 366-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Tempe, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $994 - $6,309 on the 366-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $856 - $2,606, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $336 - $863. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,784 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA
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 57.64 and 42.36 in Tempe. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA?
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 $376 - $765. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Ana?
For families, Meredith Parkwood, Fairbridge Square, and West Grove Valley are worth a look in Santa Ana. If you're moving solo or without kids, Fairbridge Square, South Coast, and Park Santiago tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Tempe, AZ to Santa Ana, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 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 do local movers charge in Tempe?
Local movers based in Tempe typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $85/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 Santa Ana run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.