($350+) Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ ranges from $1,107 to $7,399, with an average cost of $2,300. Moves can be as low as $350 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 375 miles and usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ
Moving options from Santa Ana to Mesa fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,107 - $7,399 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,300, and movers handle 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 particular route covers 375 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 375-mile route from Santa Ana to Mesa, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,107 - $4,080 | $900 - $1,598 | $376 - $697 | $860 - $1,484 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,967 - $5,341 | $1,247 - $2,385 | $385 - $835 | $998 - $1,927 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,910 - $7,399 | $1,620 - $3,013 | $479 - $914 | $1,322 - $2,317 |
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 Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ
For the 375-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Mesa, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $1,107 and $7,399. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $433 - $2,884 (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 Santa Ana generally start around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Mesa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,107 - $4,080
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,967 - $5,341
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,910 - $7,399
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 Santa Ana to Mesa.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Mesa, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $721 - $7,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $288 - $1,730/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $433 - $3,461 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,442 - $4,326 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,605 - $14,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,080 - $2,052 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,442 - $3,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,154 - $5,047 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $433 - $2,163 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $937 - $2,884 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $433 - $21,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $433 - $5,047+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Mesa?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Arizona Moving 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 Santa Ana, CA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Santa Ana to Mesa with a local mover averages $1,986 - $5,394. A local mover in Santa Ana, CA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.3/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Santa Ana, based on our analysis of feedback from 51 customers, 88.2% of which is positive.
Address: 15122 Ceres Avenue, Fontana, CA, 92335 | Founded: 2002
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Mesa, Arizona, cost between $900 and $3,013. 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 Mesa. If you go over that window, storage in Santa Ana adds around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Mesa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $900 - $1,598
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,247 - $2,385
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,620 - $3,013
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 Santa Ana, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,009, 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 $108 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $216 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Santa Ana, CA, and Mesa, AZ, 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 California to Arizona 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 $900. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,247 - $2,385, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Mesa?
- 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana:
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ
A rental truck for this 375-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Mesa, Arizona, costs between $376 and $914. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $172 - $197
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Santa Ana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Santa Ana to Mesa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $376 - $697
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $385 - $835
- 4+ bedrooms: $479 - $914
Pro tip: The base rate of $376 - $914 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Santa Ana to Mesa. Fuel ($172 - $197) , lodging at around $216/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $216 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 $94 and $469 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $172 - $197 in fuel for the 375-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,009 in Santa Ana, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Mesa?
- 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 Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Santa Ana, California, to Mesa, Arizona, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $998 and $1,927.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Mesa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $860 - $1,484
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $998 - $1,927
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,322 - $2,317
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Santa Ana, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,009.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $108 - $216 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Mesa?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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: Santa Ana, CA vs Mesa, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Mesa, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,786/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $354,997 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $78,779/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 38/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 55.33/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Mesa, AZ to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 375-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 375-mile route from Santa Ana, CA, to Mesa, AZ, run $1,107 - $7,399 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $900 - $3,013, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $376 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,967, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Mesa tend to point to bountiful outdoor activities and beautiful nature, though terrible traffic and tourists come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Banner Health System and Mesa Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Mesa, AZ
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ?
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 $385 - $835. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($172 - $197), daily insurance ($43/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $29) on top. Overnight stops can add another $216/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ 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 Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ?
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 Santa Ana, CA to Mesa, AZ?
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.
What percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 78% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
