Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Mesa typically costs $1,900–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 375 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Santa Ana to Mesa
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ typically costs $1,900–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 375-mile move from Santa Ana to Mesa, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $690 for a 5+ bedroom using a rental truck.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,157 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $6,469 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 06, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 01, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 21, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Santa Ana to Mesa
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Santa Ana to Mesa may only cost $1,300, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,700.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Santa Ana.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$1,100), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Mesa, AZ to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Best Santa Ana to Mesa movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Santa Ana to Mesa
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Santa Ana to Mesa. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→AZ movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Mesa
Many movers find Mesa easier on the wallet than Santa Ana - roughly 62% less for singles and 50% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,416 for one person in Mesa versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it's $5,566 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,734 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $432,892 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $64,524 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $2,416 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $5,566 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 8.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Rent is about 33% less expensive in Mesa than in Santa Ana, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 49% cheaper in Mesa than in Santa Ana.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 17% less in Mesa than in Santa Ana.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Mesa. The cost of living for a single person there is 62% below that of Santa Ana.
- A move to Mesa can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 50% lower compared to Santa Ana.
- Mesa has a lower unemployment rate than Santa Ana by about 13%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 10% cheaper in Mesa compared to Santa Ana. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 81% less in Arizona compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Santa Ana versus Mesa:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.69 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Santa Ana than in Mesa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Mesa.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Mesa.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Mesa.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Mesa.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Mesa.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Mesa.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Mesa
| Santa Ana | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 504,258 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 38 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 60 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 44.67 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 55.33 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Mesa's population is about 63% greater than Santa Ana.
- Mesa's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana's score of 7.
- Mesa is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 38 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 out of 100.
- Both Mesa and Santa Ana have similar bike-friendliness scores (62 vs 60), meaning Mesa is about as safe for cyclists as Santa Ana. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Mesa's crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 44.67 compared to Santa Ana's 54.17. This means that Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Mesa is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 55.33 vs Santa Ana's 45.83.
- Air quality in Mesa is Good, and in Santa Ana it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Mesa move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Arizona, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Mesa. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Mesa
With your sights set on , these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Mesa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Southwest
- Northwest
- Northeast
- West Central
Best neighborhoods for families
- Red Mountain Ranch
- Superstition Springs
- Eastmark
- Dobson Ranch
- Alta Mesa
Things to do in Mesa
With your move to Arizona complete, you can dive right into experiencing Mesa. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Mesa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, and i.d.e.a. Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, Riverview Park, and Pioneer Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Mesa?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Santa Ana to Mesa. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Mesa?
Want to save on your move from Santa Ana to Mesa? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Mesa take?
The 375-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to Mesa, AZ, takes one to four days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Mesa.
What kinds of discounts do Santa Ana movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Santa Ana?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 74 movers in Santa Ana provide piano moving services. 61 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
