($349+) Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $982 to $7,038, with an average cost of $2,250. Moves can be as low as $349 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 $982 - $7,038 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,250, 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 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 | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $982 - $3,982 | $963 - $1,675 | $371 - $658 | $800 - $1,522 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,909 - $4,796 | $1,161 - $2,306 | $380 - $749 | $937 - $1,845 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,000 - $7,038 | $1,630 - $2,849 | $475 - $924 | $1,303 - $2,210 |
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 Tempe, AZ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 366-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Tempe, Arizona, with costs ranging from $982 - $7,038. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $433 - $2,884. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Santa Ana and Tempe. Local movers in Santa Ana typically start around $185 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $982 - $3,982
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,909 - $4,796
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,000 - $7,038
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.
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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tempe, 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 Tempe?
Movers licensed to operate in Arizona are typically members of the Arizona Moving Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,833 - $4,605. Working with a local mover based in Santa Ana, CA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
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 Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $963 and $2,849. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Santa Ana costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $963 - $1,675
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,161 - $2,306
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,630 - $2,849
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Ana, CA and Tempe, AZ. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,009 in Santa Ana, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $108 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $216 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $963. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,161 - $2,306, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- 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 Tempe, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 366 miles from Santa Ana, California, to Tempe, Arizona, running $371 - $924. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $371 - $658
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $380 - $749
- 4+ bedrooms: $475 - $924
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $371 - $924 when pricing out a rental truck from Santa Ana to Tempe. Fuel alone runs ($168 - $192) , and overnight lodging ($216/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
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 $168 - $192 in fuel for the 366-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 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
For larger DIY moves from Santa Ana, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tempe, Arizona.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $937 and $1,845.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $800 - $1,522
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $937 - $1,845
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,303 - $2,210
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $108 - $216 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Santa Ana, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,009.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Tempe quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
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 moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 366-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Santa Ana, CA, to Tempe, AZ, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $982 - $7,038 on the 366-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $963 - $2,849 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $371 - $924 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,909 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 are the best neighborhoods in Tempe?
For families, Alta Mira, Dava-Lakeshore, and Meyer Park are worth a look in Tempe. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cyprus Southwest, Daley Park, and Kyrene-Superstition tend to be popular picks instead.
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 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.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $982 to $7,038, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $982 and $7,038, 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 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.
