Local moving companies in Santa Ana
Out of 93 Santa Ana movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- 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
Local moving services in Santa Ana, CA
Here’s how many movers in Santa Ana include specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Illinois
Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from Santa Ana to Illinois with various services, based on your home’s size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,208 – $4,996 | $1,140 – $2,794 | $1,164 – $2,243 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,483 – $7,529 | $2,112 – $4,339 | $1,175 – $2,670 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,369 – $11,066 | $2,836 – $5,571 | $1,528 – $3,050 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,957-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes them monthly to account for seasonal shifts and market trends. Your actual cost can change based on move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Illinois
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Santa Ana to Illinois, you can expect prices to land between $1,208 and $4,996. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,483 to $7,529 for the trip from Santa Ana to IL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,369 and $11,066.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Illinois
Moving containers from Santa Ana to Illinois will cost you $1,140 to $2,794 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,112 to $4,339. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,836 to $5,571. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Santa Ana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Illinois
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,164 and $2,243 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Santa Ana to Illinois with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,175 to $2,670. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,528 to $3,050.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Santa Ana to IL
Here’s what shapes the moving costs in Santa Ana:
- Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly affect your final bill.
- Time of year: Summer moves in Santa Ana fall during peak season, which usually means higher prices.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What you should know before moving from Santa Ana to IL
Making the switch from Santa Ana to Illinois might mean adjusting to a new lifestyle while possibly saving money. Since Santa Ana is known for its higher expenses, this switch could lead to a more affordable living situation.
Take a look at the cost of living breakdown below to see exactly how Santa Ana and Illinois stack up so you’ll be ready for what’s ahead.
Compare cost of living: Santa Ana vs. Illinois
| Santa Ana, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,650 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $843,858 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 165 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- In Illinois, rent is about 56% lower than in Santa Ana, making housing easier on your budget.
- Homes in Illinois are about 70% less expensive than in Santa Ana, leaving you with a lighter mortgage.
- With income levels nearly the same in Illinois and Santa Ana, your financial outlook should remain steady.
- Expect the cost of living in Illinois to be about 45% below Santa Ana, giving you more financial flexibility.
- Illinois has a lower unemployment rate than Santa Ana by about 24%, suggesting a stronger job market.
- Income tax rates are around 63% lower in Illinois, so your take-home pay will be higher than in California.
How life is different in Santa Ana, CA from Illinois
From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in Illinois stacks up against what you’re used to in Santa Ana.
| Santa Ana, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 47ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 13″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Santa Ana and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Summertime highs settle at approximately 86ºF in Illinois as well as 82ºF in Santa Ana, ensuring the climate feels quite familiar. Apart from temperatures, it’s important to think about humidity, weather trends, and energy costs to grasp what summertime will be like in your new area.
- Colder winters set in at 17ºF in Illinois, compared to 47ºF in Santa Ana. With this change, expect brisker winters and higher costs, but also the unique appeal of a colder climate.
- Get ready for about 40 inches of rain annually in Illinois, compared to just 13 inches in Santa Ana. More rainfall means greener scenery and wetter days, so plan ahead with good rain gear and a flexible routine.
- Illinois gets about 22 inches of snow each year, while Santa Ana sees none. Moving to Illinois means preparing for snowy winters — beautiful scenery and seasonal activities, but also shoveling, upkeep, and winter gear.
- Illinois records a lower crime rate (19.7) than Santa Ana (54.17), meaning you may enjoy more security and peace of mind after your move.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
When you’re moving from Santa Ana to Illinois, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- HOA rules: Always check community regulations beforehand so your move-in goes smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve the elevator if your building requires it for move-ins.
- 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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s site.
- Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in Illinois, but be sure to look up local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have your mail forwarded to Illinois. 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. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether you’re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, Illinois has tons for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Illinois take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Santa Ana, CA, to Illinois? Most moves on this route usually take five to 16 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.
How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 68 movers in Santa Ana that offer customized crates for a variety of fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces, including artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you will need special crating for any of your items, be sure to confirm with a Santa Ana moving company that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Santa Ana to Illinois?
Need to get your car from Santa Ana to Illinois? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Santa Ana to Illinois car shippers.
Why are people moving from Santa Ana to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
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.
Can I pay for my move from Santa Ana, CA, with cash?
There are 37 movers in Santa Ana that accept cash payments. Even so, cash is not the norm in the moving industry, where traceable payment types are preferred. Plan to pay a deposit to lock in your booking and move date. The rest of the balance is usually due at pickup or after delivery—verify timing and accepted methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!