Top-rated movers to make your Santa Ana to Tempe move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Santa Ana that offers long-distance services to Tempe can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 93 top local movers in Santa Ana who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Santa Ana to Tempe.
- 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 Tempe?
In California, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $985 – $2,944 | $648 – $1,504 | $336 – $614 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,732 – $4,665 | $1,128 – $2,154 | $355 – $765 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,560 – $6,441 | $1,523 – $2,606 | $466 – $872 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Tempe
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Tempe from Santa Ana, you can expect prices to land between $985 and $2,944. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,732 to $4,665 for the trip from Santa Ana to Tempe. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,560 and $6,441.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Tempe
Moving containers from Santa Ana to Tempe will cost you $648 to $1,504 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,128 to $2,154. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,523 to $2,606. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Tempe
Renting a moving truck from Santa Ana to Tempe typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $336 and $614 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $355 to $765. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $466 to $872.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Santa Ana to Tempe move

What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Tempe
Many movers find Tempe easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 14% less for singles and 39% less for families.
Monthly basics average $5,433 for one person in Tempe versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $6,810 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- When relocating from Santa Ana to Tempe, expect to find rent about 31% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 44% more affordable in Tempe compared to Santa Ana.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 17% lower in Tempe compared to Santa Ana.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Tempe, as the cost of living for a single person is 14% lower compared to Santa Ana.
- A move to Tempe can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 39% less than what it costs in Santa Ana.
- The unemployment rate in Tempe is about 23% lower than in Santa Ana. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 12% less in Tempe relative to Santa Ana. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Arizona are 81% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Santa Ana and Tempe:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Santa Ana than in Tempe, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Tempe.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Tempe.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Tempe.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Tempe.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Tempe.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Tempe.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Tempe
| Santa Ana | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 75 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tempe’s population is about 42% less than Santa Ana.
- Tempe’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
- Tempe is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe is more bike-friendly than Santa Ana, which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tempe’s crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 42.36 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Tempe is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 57.64 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Tempe move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Arizona’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tempe. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tempe
Planning your move to Tempe? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Tempe.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cyprus Southwest
- Daley Park
- Kyrene-Superstition
- Mitchell Park West
- University Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alta Mira
- Dava-Lakeshore
- Meyer Park
- Sandahl
- Tempe Gardens
Things to do in Tempe
After settling into your new Arizona home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tempe has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tempe features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, and ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Tempe?
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Tempe?
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Tempe take?
Are there special savings available from movers in Santa Ana?
Are piano and antique moving services available in Santa Ana?
Helpful moving resources
Santa Ana moving services
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