($1,059+) Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, LA Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, LA ranges from $1,326 to $11,088, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $1,059 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,745 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 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 Lafayette, LA
Moving options from Santa Ana to Lafayette fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,326 - $11,088 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,745 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,745-mile route from Santa Ana to Lafayette, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,326 - $5,375 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,593 - $3,064), rental truck ($1,091 - $2,057), or freight trailer ($1,364 - $2,521). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,441 - $7,508 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,088.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, LA
For the 1,745-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Lafayette, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $1,326 and $11,088. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $405 - $2,700 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Santa Ana generally start around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,326 - $5,375
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,441 - $7,508
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,271 - $11,088
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 Lafayette.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Lafayette, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $675 - $6,750 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $270 - $1,620/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $405 - $3,240 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,350 - $4,050 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,375 - $13,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,011 - $1,921 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,350 - $3,375 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,080 - $4,725 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $405 - $2,025 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $878 - $2,700 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $405 - $20,250+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $405 - $4,725+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Lafayette?
Look for Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Louisiana beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Santa Ana, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, LA
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Lafayette, Louisiana, cost between $1,593 and $5,315. 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 Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,593 - $3,064
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,079 - $4,124
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,620 - $5,315
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $945 in Santa Ana, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $101 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $203 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Lafayette, LA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Louisiana 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 $1,593. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,079 - $4,124, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Lafayette?
- 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:
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, LA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,745 miles from Santa Ana, California, to Lafayette, Louisiana, running $1,091 - $3,114. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $750 - $857
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- 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 Lafayette based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,091 - $2,057
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,134 - $2,473
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,386 - $3,114
Pro tip: A rental truck from Santa Ana to Lafayette looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,091 - $3,114. But once you factor in fuel ($750 - $857) , overnight lodging ($203/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $203 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Santa Ana, California, usually costs about $945 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,745-mile drive falls between $750 and $857, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $68 and $405 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Lafayette?
- 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 Lafayette, LA
For larger DIY moves from Santa Ana, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Lafayette, Louisiana.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,599 and $3,136.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,364 - $2,521
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,599 - $3,136
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,073 - $4,472
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Santa Ana, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $945.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $101 - $203 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Lafayette?
- 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.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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 Lafayette, LA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lafayette, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Lafayette, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 90 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $2,825/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $249,492 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $61,454/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 54.25/100 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Louisiana 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 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 1,745-mile route.
Our take
The 1,745-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to Lafayette, LA, costs between $1,326 and $11,088 with full-service movers, $1,593 - $5,315 with a moving container, and $1,091 - $3,114 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 $3,441 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 LHC Group and King-Patin.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Lafayette, LA
What is the best time of year to move from Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, LA?
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. Louisiana also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($750 - $857), daily insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $203/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, LA?
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 $1,134 - $2,473. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Lafayette, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,326 to $11,088, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,326 and $11,088, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 78% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
