Top local movers for Santa Ana to Gainesville moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Santa Ana that also provides long-distance services to Gainesville can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 93 local movers in Santa Ana who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Santa Ana to Gainesville.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Gainesville?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,258 – $5,041 | $1,316 – $3,206 | $1,394 – $2,696 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,512 – $7,355 | $2,181 – $4,431 | $1,409 – $2,995 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,397 – $11,956 | $2,999 – $6,645 | $1,743 – $3,597 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Gainesville
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Gainesville typically costs between $1,258 and $5,041. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,512 and $7,355 when moving from Santa Ana to Gainesville. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Santa Ana to Gainesville, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,397 up to $11,956.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Gainesville
If you’re relocating from Santa Ana to Gainesville, you’ll typically spend between $1,316 and $3,206 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,181 up to $4,431. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,999 and $6,645. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Gainesville
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Santa Ana to Gainesville move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,394 and $2,696. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,409 to $2,995. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,743 and $3,597.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Santa Ana to Gainesville
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Santa Ana to Gainesville might be as low as $2,604, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,356.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Santa Ana.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,394 to $3,216 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Gainesville
Many movers find Gainesville easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 73% less for singles and 69% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,727 for one person in Gainesville versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $3,491 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Gainesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,444 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $288,002 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $59,013 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $1,727 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $3,491 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Gainesville from Santa Ana, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 40% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 66% cheaper in Gainesville, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 24% lower in Gainesville than in Santa Ana.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Gainesville. The cost of living for a single person is 73% less compared to Santa Ana.
- Relocating to Gainesville could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 69% lower than in Santa Ana.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 37% lower than Santa Ana, Gainesville boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 24% lower in Gainesville than Santa Ana, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Santa Ana and Gainesville, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Gainesville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $310.42 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $49.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.70 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $45.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Santa Ana than in Gainesville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Ana than in Gainesville.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Gainesville.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Gainesville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Gainesville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Gainesville.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Gainesville.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Gainesville
| Santa Ana | Gainesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 141,085 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 69 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 52.61 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Gainesville’s population is about 55% less than Santa Ana.
- Gainesville’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
- Gainesville is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Santa Ana, which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Gainesville’s crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 8.0 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Gainesville is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 52.61 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
- Air quality in Gainesville is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Gainesville move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Florida moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Florida, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Gainesville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Gainesville
Ready to relocate to Gainesville? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Gainesville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Duckpond
- Midtown
- Northwest Gainesville
- Sugarfoot
- Suburban Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Gainesville
- Duckpond
- Haile Plantation
- Eastside
Things to do in Gainesville
Now that you’ve made the move to Florida, it’s the perfect time to explore Gainesville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Gainesville include museums and art centers like the Florida Museum of Natural History, Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, and Matheson History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Depot Park, and Kanapaha Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Florida Gators (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Gainesville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Santa Ana to Gainesville. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Gainesville?
With many people choosing to move from Santa Ana to Gainesville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Gainesville take?
Covering 2,384 miles, the move from Santa Ana, CA to Gainesville, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Gainesville can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Santa Ana offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Santa Ana can handle specialty items for my move to Gainesville?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Santa Ana, 73 movers can handle pianos. 60 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Santa Ana moving services
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