($353+) Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $946 to $6,572, with an average cost of $2,050. Moves can be as low as $353 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 366 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 Tempe, AZ
Moving options from Santa Ana to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $946 - $6,572 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,050, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 80% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 366 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 366-mile route from Santa Ana to Tempe, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $946 - $3,573 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($917 - $1,549), rental truck ($353 - $645), or freight trailer ($778 - $1,449). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,698 - $4,571 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $6,572.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ
For the 366-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Tempe, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $946 and $6,572. 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 Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $946 - $3,573
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,698 - $4,571
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,587 - $6,572
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 Tempe.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tempe, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $721 - $7,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% 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 coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% 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 items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,442 - $3,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,154 - $5,047 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $433 - $2,163 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $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 Tempe?
All three below meet the standards set by the Arizona Moving Association, the group most Arizona movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
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 Tempe with a local mover averages $1,714 - $4,616. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Santa Ana, CA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.28/5 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 Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $917 and $2,606. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Santa Ana typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $917 - $1,549
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,061 - $2,132
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,463 - $2,606
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $108 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $216 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $1,009 in Santa Ana, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Tempe, AZ, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $917. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,061 - $2,132.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Tempe?
- 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:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 366-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $353 and $880, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $168 - $192
- 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 Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $353 - $645
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $344 - $714
- 4+ bedrooms: $444 - $880
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Santa Ana to Tempe starts at $353 - $880, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($168 - $192), overnight lodging ($216/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Santa Ana, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,009.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $168 - $192 for the 366-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $87 and $469, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $216 per night for hotel stops on the 366-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $433 - $649.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Tempe?
- 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 Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Santa Ana, California, to Tempe, Arizona. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,298 and $1,774.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $778 - $1,449
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $893 - $1,774
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,123 - $2,171
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Tempe fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs Tempe, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tempe, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 57.64/100 |
| 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 Tempe, 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 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 366-mile route.
Our take
A move from Santa Ana, CA, to Tempe, AZ, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $946 - $6,572 on the 366-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $917 - $2,606, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $353 - $880. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,698 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Tempe, AZ
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, 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 $344 - $714. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $353 to $6,572, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $946 and $6,572, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Santa Ana?
Local movers based in Santa Ana typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tempe run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
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.
What percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.