Fact Checked by: 
Industry-trained crews
Local moving companies in Santa Ana
- Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Merit Moving Systems: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 #: 0192009
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 1839600
Alternate Names: Merit Moving & Logistics LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
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
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
Factors influencing moving costs from Santa Ana to Iowa
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- Move size: The number of belongings you need to move, plus the size and layout of your home, will affect your overall moving cost.
- Time of year: Moving during summer—peak season in Santa Ana—usually means higher prices from movers.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is typically more affordable, but it comes with extra effort and stress compared to letting professionals handle your move.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Iowa
Leaving Santa Ana for Iowa means embracing a new lifestyle—and likely saving some cash. Living in Santa Ana typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.
Take a look at the cost of living breakdown below to see exactly how Santa Ana and Iowa stack up so you’ll be ready for what’s ahead.
Compare cost of living: Santa Ana vs. Iowa
| Santa Ana, CA | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,650 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $843,858 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $70,571 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Great news—rent in Iowa runs about 66% less than in Santa Ana, so you’ll have more room in your budget each month.
- Your money will go further when buying a home in Iowa since prices there are about 73.9% lower than in Santa Ana.
- Heads up—the average income is about 8.7% lower in Iowa compared to Santa Ana.
- You’ll find a lower unemployment rate in Iowa, around 57.1% less than in Santa Ana.
- Enjoy a boost in your take-home pay. Income taxes are 66.92% lower in Iowa than in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Santa Ana, CA, from Iowa
If you’re moving from Santa Ana to Iowa, everything from the weather and local population to the predominant political views can feel pretty different. Let’s break down what life in Iowa is like compared to the .
| Santa Ana, CA | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,207,004 | 310,227 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 47ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 30" | 0" |
| Crime index | 16.18 | 54.17 |
Iowa sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- In the most recent presidential election, Iowa leaned Republican, while Santa Ana went Democratic.
- No need to buy new summer clothes. Average highs in Iowa hit 84°F, which is about the same as the 82°F you’re already used to in Santa Ana.
- Winters in Iowa are much colder, with lows around 10°F, a drop from the 47°F you’re accustomed to in Santa Ana. Be sure to bring a warm coat as you settle into life in the Hawkeye State!
- When you’re moving from Santa Ana to Iowa, be sure to pack your raincoat and umbrella! Iowa gets around 35 inches of rain annually, more than the 13 inches you usually get in Santa Ana.
- Get ready for more snow in Iowa. You’ll see about 30 inches each year, a big increase from the 0 inches in Santa Ana. Moving means gearing up for colder days and extra snowfall.
Other considerations when moving to Iowa from Santa Ana
If you’re moving from Santa Ana to Iowa, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- Weather: Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime..
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Iowa
No matter what you're into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—Iowa is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in Iowa
Parks in Iowa
Sports Teams in Iowa
Universities in Iowa
FAQs
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Iowa take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Santa Ana, CA to Iowa? Most moves on this route usually take four to 15 days, depending on your service. Just a heads up. Moving during the hectic summer season might leave you open to delays.
To keep your move on track and steer clear of delays, be sure to ask about the delivery timeline before you book your movers.
What is the best way to get a car from Santa Ana to Iowa?
Looking to ship your car from Santa Ana to Iowa? Choose experts who know how to treat your vehicle right and handle every detail with professionalism. Check out our top picks for car shipping from Santa Ana to Iowa.
Why are people moving from Santa Ana to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Santa Ana?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Santa Ana .
