Moving from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana costs between $38 to $4,078 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 49-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Moreno Valley 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 49 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $811 - $2,628 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $391 - $1,076 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48 - $125 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Burgess Moving and Storage | $150/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 Moreno Valley to Santa Ana?
It costs between $38 to $4,078 to move from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana. The prices below break down your 49-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $448 - $4,078
- Moving containers: $117 - $1,534
- Rental trucks: $38 - $152
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $448 - $1,321 | $117 - $797 | $38 - $100 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $811 - $2,628 | $391 - $1,076 | $48 - $125 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,356 - $4,078 | $784 - $1,534 | $66 - $152 |
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 | $393 - $3,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $150/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $262 - $1,048 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $66 - $262 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana
At 49 miles, your Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley to Santa Ana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 49 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley guide.
Considerations when moving from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana
Cost of living: Moreno Valley vs. Santa Ana
When comparing the cost of living between Moreno Valley and Santa Ana, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Santa Ana stacks up against Moreno Valley.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Moreno Valley | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,550 | $2,650 |
| Average home cost | $460,926 | $657,015 |
| Average income (per capita) | $87,477 | $88,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,611 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,923 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.1% | 7.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 9.25% |
- Rent prices in Santa Ana are about the same as in Moreno Valley, so your housing budget should stay steady and make your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Santa Ana are 43% higher than in Moreno Valley, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- You’ll find that income levels in Moreno Valley and Santa Ana are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Living expenses for one person in Santa Ana are 143% higher than in Moreno Valley, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 88% higher than in Moreno Valley. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Santa Ana one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Santa Ana is 23% lower than in Moreno Valley. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes run 19% higher in Santa Ana than in Moreno Valley, so you should plan on higher costs for regular taxable purchases.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,290 in Santa Ana to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Moreno Valley.
How life is different in Moreno Valley vs. Santa Ana
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Santa Ana vs. Moreno Valley. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Moreno Valley | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 208,634 | 310,227 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 97ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 47ºF |
| Annual rain | 12" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 54.17 |
Santa Ana sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Santa Ana is around 49% bigger than Moreno Valley. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, both Moreno Valley and Santa Ana voted Democratic.
- With summer highs at 82°F, Santa Ana is cooler than Moreno Valley at 97°F. The change means easier summers and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
- In the coldest months, Moreno Valley gets chillier than Santa Ana, with lows dipping to 38°F while Santa Ana only drops to 47°F.
- Both Moreno Valley and Santa Ana see about the same yearly rainfall—Moreno Valley averages 12 inches, while Santa Ana gets 13 inches each year.
- Both Moreno Valley 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 higher crime rate than Moreno Valley, with a crime index of 54.17 vs 40.24.
Things to do in Santa Ana
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Santa Ana has you covered.
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 Moreno Valley to Santa Ana?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana, expect to pay between $333 and $1,121 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $811 and $2,628. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,356 up to $4,078 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana?
If you’re moving from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $116 and go up to $766. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $391 and $1,076. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $784 and $1,534.
How much is a moving truck from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $38 to $92. A larger move will cost $48 to $125, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana costs from $66 to $152.
How far in advance should I book Moreno Valley-to-Santa Ana movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Moreno Valley to Santa Ana at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Moreno Valley-to-Santa Ana movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Ana?
To save money on your move to Santa Ana, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
