($1,575+) Santa Ana, CA to New Haven, CT Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to New Haven, CT ranges from $1,386 to $12,990, with an average cost of $4,850. Moves can be as low as $1,575 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,866 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 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 New Haven, CT
Moving options from Santa Ana to New Haven fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,386 - $12,990 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 58% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,866 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,866-mile route from Santa Ana to New Haven, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,386 - $6,054 | $1,996 - $3,551 | $1,544 - $3,025 | $1,727 - $3,464 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,175 - $7,981 | $2,589 - $5,153 | $1,774 - $3,494 | $1,931 - $4,249 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,177 - $12,990 | $3,574 - $6,818 | $2,221 - $4,289 | $2,887 - $5,685 |
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 New Haven, CT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,866-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to New Haven, Connecticut, with costs ranging from $1,386 - $12,990. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $428 - $2,852. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Santa Ana and New Haven. 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 New Haven:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,386 - $6,054
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,175 - $7,981
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,177 - $12,990
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 New Haven.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to New Haven, CT
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In New Haven, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $713 - $7,130 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $285 - $1,711/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $428 - $3,422 |
| 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 | $1,426 - $4,278 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,565 - $14,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,068 - $2,029 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,426 - $3,565 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,141 - $4,991 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $428 - $2,139 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $927 - $2,852 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $428 - $21,390+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $428 - $4,991+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to New Haven?
Movers & Warehousemen’s Association of Connecticut membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Connecticut, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Santa Ana, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to New Haven, CT
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to New Haven, Connecticut, cost between $1,996 and $6,818. 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 New Haven:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,996 - $3,551
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,589 - $5,153
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,574 - $6,818
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Ana, CA and New Haven, CT. 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 $998 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 $107 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $214 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 Connecticut 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 $1,996. 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 $2,589 - $5,153.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to New Haven?
- 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 New Haven, CT
A rental truck for this 2,866-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to New Haven, Connecticut, costs between $1,544 and $4,289. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,300 - $1,486
- 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 New Haven based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,544 - $3,025
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,774 - $3,494
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,221 - $4,289
Pro tip: A rental truck from Santa Ana to New Haven looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,544 - $4,289. But once you factor in fuel ($1,300 - $1,486), overnight lodging ($214/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $998.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,300 - $1,486 for the 2,866-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 $86 and $463, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $214 per night for hotel stops on the 2,866-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $428 - $642.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to New Haven?
- 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 New Haven, CT
If you're moving a larger household from Santa Ana, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to New Haven, Connecticut.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,931 and $4,249.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to New Haven:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,727 - $3,464
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,931 - $4,249
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,887 - $5,685
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $107 and $214.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Santa Ana, California, for roughly five hours typically average $998.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to New Haven?
- 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs New Haven, CT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in New Haven, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 109 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $2,375/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $248,886 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $53,771/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 9.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 3.0% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 68/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 41.8/100 |
| 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 New Haven, CT to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Connecticut 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 2,866-mile route.
Our take
The 2,866-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to New Haven, CT, costs between $1,386 and $12,990 with full-service movers, $1,996 - $6,818 with a moving container, and $1,544 - $4,289 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $4,175 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include ASSA ABLOY Group and ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions - US.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to New Haven, CT
What is the best time of year to move from Santa Ana, CA to New Haven, CT?
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 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.
Is New Haven a safe place to live?
New Haven has a safety index of 41.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.2, compared to 45.83 and 54.17 in Santa Ana. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Ana, CA to New Haven, CT?
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 $1,774 - $3,494. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in New Haven?
For families, Downtown, Westville, and Dwight are worth a look in New Haven. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Westville, and Dwight tend to be popular picks instead.
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.