Moving from Fontana to Santa Ana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Fontana to Santa Ana costs between $38 to $4,158 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 47-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fontana to Santa Ana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fontana to Santa Ana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fontana to driving and unloading in Santa Ana, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 47 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $770 - $2,602 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $403 - $1,087 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $50 - $124 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Trek Movers | $110/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Fontana to Santa Ana?
It costs between $38 to $4,158 to move from Fontana to Santa Ana. The prices below break down your 47-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $435 - $4,158
- Moving containers: $129 - $1,566
- Rental trucks: $38 - $147
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $435 - $1,445 | $129 - $839 | $38 - $101 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $770 - $2,602 | $403 - $1,087 | $50 - $124 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,356 - $4,158 | $832 - $1,566 | $67 - $147 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $357 - $2,975+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $238 - $952 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $60 - $238 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fontana to Santa Ana
At 47 miles, your Fontana to Santa Ana move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Fontana to Santa Ana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 47 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fontana to Santa Ana. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Ana to Fontana guide.
Considerations when moving from Fontana to Santa Ana
Cost of living: Fontana vs. Santa Ana
The cost of living in Fontana vs. Santa Ana goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Santa Ana stacks up against Fontana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fontana | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,000 | $2,650 |
| Average home cost | $554,802 | $657,015 |
| Average income (per capita) | $98,187 | $88,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,972 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,875 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 7.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 9.25% |
- Rent in Santa Ana is roughly 12% less expensive than in Fontana. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Santa Ana are 18% higher than in Fontana. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- Income in Santa Ana is 10% lower than in Fontana. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Santa Ana is 113% higher than in Fontana, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Santa Ana? Get ready for living expenses to be about 62% higher than in Fontana. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Santa Ana is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Santa Ana is 8% lower than in Fontana, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- In Santa Ana, sales taxes are 19% higher than in Fontana. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Fontana, expect to budget around $6,390 to maintain the same lifestyle in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Fontana vs. Santa Ana
As you plan your move, comparing life in Fontana vs. Santa Ana is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Fontana and Santa Ana to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Fontana | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,704 | 310,227 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 47ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 31.65 | 54.17 |
Santa Ana sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Santa Ana is about 46% larger than Fontana. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Fontana and Santa Ana siding with the Democratic party.
- Santa Ana typically records highs of 82°F, cooler than Fontana where averages hit 94°F. Expect relief from harsh heat and lower energy bills.
- During the coldest months, both Fontana and Santa Ana experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 43°F and 47°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Fontana to Santa Ana. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 14 inches in Fontana and 13 inches in Santa Ana.
- Both Fontana and Santa Ana receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in Santa Ana, with an index of 54.17, compared to Fontana at 31.65.
Things to do in Santa Ana
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Santa Ana has something for everyone.
Museums in Santa Ana
- Bowers Museum
- Lyon Air Museum
- Discovery Cube Orange County
- Heritage Museum of Orange County
- Orange County Museum of Art
Parks in Santa Ana
- Santiago Park Nature
Sports teams in Santa Ana
- Los Angeles Angels (in Anaheim)
- Anaheim Ducks (in Anaheim)
- Santa Ana College Dons (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Track & Field, Wrestling)
- Santa Ana United (Soccer Team)
Universities in Santa Ana
- Santa Ana College
- California Coast University
- Art Institute of California
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fontana to Santa Ana?
Moving your furniture from Fontana to Santa Ana with a professional moving company usually ranges from $361 to $1,214. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $770 and $2,602. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,356 to $4,158 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Fontana to Santa Ana?
If you’re moving from Fontana to Santa Ana and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $114 to $766. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $403 and $1,087. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $832 to $1,566.
How much is a moving truck from Fontana to Santa Ana?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $40 and $98. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $50 to $124. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Fontana to Santa Ana, rental prices generally fall between $67 and $147.
How far in advance should I book Fontana-to-Santa Ana movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Fontana to Santa Ana at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Fontana-to-Santa Ana movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Ana?
If you want to save money on your move to Santa Ana, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
