Top local movers for Santa Ana to Phoenix moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Santa Ana that also provides long-distance services to Phoenix can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 93 local movers in Santa Ana who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Santa Ana to Phoenix.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Phoenix?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $927 – $2,944 | $635 – $1,504 | $346 – $608 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,629 – $4,759 | $1,095 – $2,196 | $365 – $765 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,695 – $6,769 | $1,537 – $2,768 | $462 – $898 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Phoenix
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Phoenix typically costs between $927 and $2,944. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,629 and $4,759 when moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Santa Ana to Phoenix, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,695 up to $6,769.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Phoenix
If you’re relocating from Santa Ana to Phoenix, you’ll typically spend between $635 and $1,504 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,095 up to $2,196. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,537 and $2,768. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Phoenix
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Santa Ana to Phoenix move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $346 and $608. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $365 to $765. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $462 and $898.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Santa Ana to Phoenix
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Santa Ana to Phoenix might be as low as $1,366, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,475.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Santa Ana.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $346 to $795 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix
Many movers find Phoenix easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 63% less for singles and 53% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,369 for one person in Phoenix versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $5,226 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,664 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,634 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Good news! When moving to Phoenix from Santa Ana, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 36% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 51% cheaper in Phoenix, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 16% lower in Phoenix than in Santa Ana.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Phoenix. The cost of living for a single person is 63% less compared to Santa Ana.
- Relocating to Phoenix could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 53% lower than in Santa Ana.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 6% lower than Santa Ana, Phoenix boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 7% lower in Phoenix than Santa Ana, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 81% lower in Arizona than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Santa Ana and Phoenix, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $75.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.75 |
| 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 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $34.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Santa Ana than in Phoenix, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Phoenix.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Phoenix.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Phoenix.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Phoenix.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Phoenix.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Phoenix.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Phoenix
| Santa Ana | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 1,608,139 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 56 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 53.06 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 46.94 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Phoenix’s population is about 418% greater than Santa Ana.
- Phoenix’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
- Phoenix is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Phoenix and Santa Ana have a similar crime rate with scores of 53.06 and 54.17, respectively.
- Phoenix and Santa Ana have a similar safety level, with scores of 46.94 and 45.83.
- Air quality in Phoenix is Moderate, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Phoenix move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Arizona, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Phoenix without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Phoenix
Ready to relocate to Arizona’s Urban Heart? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Phoenix.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
Now that you’ve made the move to Arizona, it’s the perfect time to explore Phoenix. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Phoenix include museums and art centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Arizona Cardinals (NFL)Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)Phoenix Suns (NBA)Arizona Coyotes (NHL)Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)Arizona Rattlers (IFL)Phoenix Rising FC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Phoenix?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Santa Ana to Phoenix. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Santa Ana to Phoenix in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Phoenix take?
Covering 357 miles, the move from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, typically takes one to four days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Phoenix can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Santa Ana offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Santa Ana can handle specialty items for my move to Phoenix?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Santa Ana, 73 movers can handle pianos. 60 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Santa Ana moving services
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