($691+) Santa Ana, CA to Fort Collins, CO Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Collins, CO ranges from $1,289 to $8,307, with an average cost of $3,300. Moves can be as low as $691 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.
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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 $1,289 - $8,307 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,300, 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 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:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,289 - $5,049 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,193 - $2,200), rental truck ($691 - $1,339), or freight trailer ($1,084 - $2,042). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,770 - $6,223 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,307.
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 Fort Collins, CO
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,074-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, with prices running from $1,289 - $8,307. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $436 - $2,908 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Santa Ana and Fort Collins are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Santa Ana movers tend to run around $185 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,289 - $5,049
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,770 - $6,223
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,405 - $8,307
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Colorado. 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 Fort Collins, CO
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Fort Collins, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $727 - $7,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% 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 coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% 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 items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,454 - $3,635 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,163 - $5,089 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $436 - $2,181 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $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 $1,193 and $4,413. 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 Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,193 - $2,200
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,518 - $3,029
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,202 - $4,413
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $109 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $218 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Fort Collins, CO, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,018 in Santa Ana, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,193. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,518 - $3,029, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- 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 Fort Collins, CO
A rental truck for this 1,074-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, costs between $691 and $1,958. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $691 - $1,339
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $754 - $1,690
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,026 - $1,958
Pro tip: The base rate of $691 - $1,958 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 an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $218 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 $95 and $473 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $497 - $568 in fuel for the 1,074-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,018 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 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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,228 and $2,526.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,084 - $2,042
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,228 - $2,526
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,727 - $3,362
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Santa Ana to Fort Collins, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
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 use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Colorado over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network 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 $1,289 - $8,307 on the 1,074-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,193 - $4,413 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $691 - $1,958 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,770 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 $1,289 to $8,307, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,289 and $8,307, 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 78% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
