($645+) Santa Ana, CA to Fort Collins, CO Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Collins, CO ranges from $1,121 to $8,234, with an average cost of $3,100. Moves can be as low as $645 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,074 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Moving options from Santa Ana to Fort Collins fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,121 - $8,234 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,100, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 71% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,074 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,074-mile route from Santa Ana to Fort Collins, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,121 - $4,810 with full-service movers, $1,184 - $2,205 with a container, $686 - $1,263 with a rental truck, or $1,054 - $2,004 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,511 - $5,809 full-service, $1,537 - $2,977 by container, $733 - $1,456 by rental truck, or $1,159 - $2,334 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,197 - $8,234 full-service, $2,077 - $3,766 by container, $912 - $1,940 by rental truck, or $1,564 - $3,076 by freight.
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 Fort Collins, CO
For the 1,074-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, full-service movers cost between $1,121 and $8,234. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $436 - $2,908 (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 Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,121 - $4,810
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,511 - $5,809
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,197 - $8,234
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 Fort Collins.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fort Collins, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $727 - $7,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $291 - $1,745/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $436 - $3,490 |
| 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 | $1,454 - $4,362 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,635 - $14,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,089 - $2,069 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,454 - $3,635 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,163 - $5,089 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $436 - $2,181 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $945 - $2,908 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $436 - $21,810+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $436 - $5,089+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Fort Collins?
- 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Santa Ana, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, cost between $1,184 and $3,766. 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 Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,184 - $2,205
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,537 - $2,977
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,077 - $3,766
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Ana, CA and Fort Collins, CO. 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 $1,018 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 $109 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $218 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 Colorado 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 $1,184. 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 $1,537 - $2,977.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Fort Collins?
- 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 Fort Collins, CO
Plan on $686 - $1,940 for a rental moving truck on the 1,074-mile route from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $497 - $568
- Daily insurance: $44/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 Fort Collins based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $686 - $1,263
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $733 - $1,456
- 4+ bedrooms: $912 - $1,940
Pro tip: The base rate of $686 - $1,940 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Santa Ana to Fort Collins. Fuel ($497 - $568), lodging at around $218/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $1,018.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $497 - $568 for the 1,074-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 $473, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $218 per night for hotel stops on the 1,074-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $436 - $654.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Fort Collins?
- 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 Fort Collins, CO
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 Fort Collins, Colorado.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,159 and $2,334.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,054 - $2,004
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,159 - $2,334
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,564 - $3,076
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final 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 $1,018.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $109 - $218 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 Fort Collins?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Santa Ana to Fort Collins. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs Fort Collins, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fort Collins, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 116 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $544,203 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $83,598/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 72.86/100 |
| 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 Fort Collins, CO to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Colorado, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,074-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Santa Ana, CA, to Fort Collins, CO, 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 $1,121 - $8,234 on the 1,074-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,184 - $3,766 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $686 - $1,940 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,511 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 Advanced Energy Industries and RIMROCK.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Fort Collins, CO
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Collins, CO?
Costs on this route range from around $645 to $8,234, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,121 and $8,234, 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.
How walkable is Fort Collins?
Fort Collins has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 78, compared to 67 and 62 in Santa Ana. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($497 - $568), daily insurance ($44/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $29) on top. Overnight stops can add another $218/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Colorado?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.
What is the best time of year to move from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Collins, CO?
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 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.