Moving from Modesto to Santa Ana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Santa Ana costs between $398 to $8,061 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 343-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Modesto to Santa Ana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to Santa Ana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Modesto 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 343 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,965 - $5,688 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,302 - $2,582 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $419 - $833 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Brewer Moving LLC | $128/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 Modesto to Santa Ana?
It costs between $398 to $8,061 to move from Modesto to Santa Ana. The prices below break down your 343-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,205 - $8,061
- Moving containers: $1,060 - $3,152
- Rental trucks: $398 - $977
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,205 - $4,458 | $1,060 - $1,821 | $398 - $689 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,965 - $5,688 | $1,302 - $2,582 | $419 - $833 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,141 - $8,061 | $1,686 - $3,152 | $499 - $977 |
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 | $348 - $2,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $128/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $232 - $928 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $58 - $232 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Modesto to Santa Ana
At 343 miles, your Modesto 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 Modesto to Santa Ana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 343 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to Santa Ana. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 467 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Ana to Modesto guide.
Considerations when moving from Modesto to Santa Ana
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Santa Ana
The cost of living in Modesto 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 Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $2,650 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $657,015 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $88,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.88% | 9.25% |
- Rent prices in Santa Ana are 47% higher than in Modesto. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Santa Ana are 58% higher than in Modesto. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Santa Ana, where the average salary is 13% higher than in Modesto, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in Santa Ana is 174% higher than in Modesto, 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 88% higher than in Modesto. 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 13% lower than in Modesto, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are equal in Santa Ana and Modesto, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Modesto, expect to budget around $8,220 to maintain the same lifestyle in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Santa Ana
As you plan your move, comparing life in Modesto 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 Modesto and Santa Ana to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Modesto | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 310,227 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 47ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 54.17 |
Santa Ana sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Santa Ana is about 42% larger than Modesto. 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 Modesto and Santa Ana siding with the Democratic party.
- Santa Ana typically records highs of 82°F, cooler than Modesto where averages hit 94°F. Expect relief from harsh heat and lower energy bills.
- During the coldest part of the year, Modesto is colder than Santa Ana, dropping to 39°F compared to Santa Ana’s low of 47°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Modesto to Santa Ana. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 13 inches in Modesto and 13 inches in Santa Ana.
- Both Modesto and Santa Ana receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Santa Ana has a lower crime rate than Modesto, with a crime index of 54.17 vs 65.76.
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 Modesto to Santa Ana?
Moving your furniture from Modesto to Santa Ana with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,177 to $3,596. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,965 and $5,688. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $3,141 to $8,061 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Santa Ana?
If you’re moving from Modesto 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 $703 to $1,753. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,302 and $2,582. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,686 to $3,152.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto 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 $378 and $718. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $419 to $833. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Modesto to Santa Ana, rental prices generally fall between $499 and $977.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Santa Ana movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Modesto 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 Modesto-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.
