Moving from Anaheim to Irvine, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Anaheim to Irvine costs between $36 to $3,798 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 14-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Anaheim to Irvine
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Anaheim to Irvine are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Anaheim to driving and unloading in Irvine, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 14 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $803 - $2,628 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $380 - $1,087 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $46 - $126 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Best Fit Movers | $75/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Anaheim to Irvine?
It costs between $36 to $3,798 to move from Anaheim to Irvine. The prices below break down your 14-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $480 - $3,798
- Moving containers: $129 - $1,503
- Rental trucks: $36 - $158
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $480 - $1,363 | $129 - $806 | $36 - $94 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $803 - $2,628 | $380 - $1,087 | $46 - $126 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,356 - $3,798 | $840 - $1,503 | $66 - $158 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $495 - $4,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $330 - $1,320 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $83 - $330 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Anaheim to Irvine
At 14 miles, your Anaheim to Irvine move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Anaheim to Irvine. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 14 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Anaheim to Irvine. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Irvine to Anaheim guide.
Considerations when moving from Anaheim to Irvine
Cost of living: Anaheim vs. Irvine
When comparing the cost of living between Anaheim and Irvine, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Irvine stacks up against Anaheim.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Anaheim | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,550 | $4,000 |
| Average home cost | $769,966 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,583 | $129,647 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,451 | $9,167 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,381 | $18,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in Irvine are 57% higher than in Anaheim. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Irvine are 45% higher than in Anaheim, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 43% higher than in Anaheim. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Irvine are 68% higher than in Anaheim, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 58% higher than in Anaheim. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Irvine one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Irvine is 32% higher than in Anaheim. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Irvine and Anaheim, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,040 in Irvine to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Anaheim.
How life is different in Anaheim vs. Irvine
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Irvine vs. Anaheim. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Anaheim | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 346,824 | 307,670 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 53.18 | 31.01 |
Irvine sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Irvine has about 11% fewer people than Anaheim. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, both Anaheim and Irvine voted Democratic.
- Both Irvine and Anaheim average summer highs close to 82°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Anaheim and Irvine experience similar winter lows, with Anaheim reaching 46°F and Irvine getting down to 46°F.
- Both Anaheim and Irvine see about the same yearly rainfall—Anaheim averages 14 inches, while Irvine gets 13 inches each year.
- Both Anaheim and Irvine receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Irvine is safer than Anaheim, boasting a lower crime index of 31.01 compared to Anaheim’s 53.18.
Things to do in Irvine
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Irvine has you covered.
Museums in Irvine
- Pretend City Children's Museum
- Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art
- Museum of Woman
Parks in Irvine
- Orange County Great Park
- Adventure Playground
- William R. Mason Regional Park
- Turtle Rock Community Park
- Jeffrey Open Space Trail
Sports teams in Irvine
- UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo)
- Adult Basketball Leagues
- Adult Soccer Leagues
- Adult Softball Leagues
- Tennis League
Universities in Irvine
- University of California, Irvine
- California Southern University
- Concordia University
- Westcliff University
- Irvine Valley College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Anaheim to Irvine?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Anaheim to Irvine, expect to pay between $361 and $1,109 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $803 and $2,628. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,356 up to $3,798 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Anaheim to Irvine?
If you’re moving from Anaheim to Irvine and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $115 and go up to $814. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $380 and $1,087. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $840 and $1,503.
How much is a moving truck from Anaheim to Irvine?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $40 to $99. A larger move will cost $46 to $126, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Anaheim to Irvine costs from $66 to $158.
How far in advance should I book Anaheim-to-Irvine movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Anaheim to Irvine at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Anaheim-to-Irvine movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Irvine?
To save money on your move to Irvine, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
