Quick answer: A typical 2,540-mile move from Santa Ana to Raleigh runs $2,014–$9,426 and takes seven to 21 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Raleigh to Santa Ana guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Santa Ana to Raleigh
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Santa Ana to Raleigh isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NC move
Local moving companies servicing Santa Ana to Raleigh moves
When planning a move from Santa Ana to Raleigh, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Santa Ana who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Santa Ana to Raleigh.
- Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 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 #: 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
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
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Raleigh?
Santa Ana movers charge $75 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,537 - $6,973 | $1,711 - $4,050 | $1,719 - $3,499 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,861 - $9,426 | $3,098 - $5,830 | $2,014 - $4,124 |
4+ bedrooms | $9,227 - $15,633 | $4,062 - $8,596 | $2,352 - $5,261 |
Cost to hire movers from California to North Carolina
Planning a move from California to North Carolina? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,537 and $6,973. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,861 and $9,426 for the same journey (CA to NC). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $9,227 to $15,633.
Cost of moving containers from California to North Carolina
If you're moving from California to North Carolina, expect to pay between $1,711 and $4,050 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $3,098 up to $5,830. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $4,062 and $8,596. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to North Carolina
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,719 and $3,499. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $2,014 and $4,124. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,352 and $5,261.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Santa Ana to Raleigh
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Raleigh
Moving from Santa Ana to Raleigh means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Santa Ana than in Raleigh, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Santa Ana compares to Raleigh so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Santa Ana | Raleigh | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,650 | $1,670 |
Average home value | $843,858 | $431,795 |
Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $2,572 |
Cost of living (single person) | $6,333 | $6,077 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,160 | $6,077 |
Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.3% |
Sales tax | 9.25% | 7.25% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Raleigh are 37% lower than in Santa Ana, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Raleigh.
Home prices in Raleigh are 48.8% lower than in Santa Ana. - Income in Raleigh is 96.7% lower than in Santa Ana, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Raleigh — including State of North Carolina, WakeMed, and North Carolina State University — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Raleigh. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 4.0% lower than in Santa Ana.
- A move to Raleigh can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 45.5% less than what it costs in Santa Ana.
- The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 38.57% lower than in Santa Ana.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Raleigh, since the city's sales taxes in Raleigh are 21.62% lower than in Santa Ana.
- One perk of moving to Raleigh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.17% lower than in Santa Ana.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,878.73 in Raleigh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Raleigh
Raleigh | Santa Ana | |
---|---|---|
Population | 467,665 | 310,227 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 7 |
Walkability score | 31 | 67 |
Bike friendliness score | 39 | 62 |
Crime Index | 38.87 | 54.17 |
Safety Index | 60.13 | 45.83 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Raleigh's population is about 51% greater than Santa Ana.
- Raleigh's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Santa Ana's higher score of 7.
- Raleigh is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 out of 100.
- Raleigh has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Santa Ana, which has a score of 62 out of 100.
- Raleigh's crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 38.87 compared to Santa Ana's 54.17. This means that Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Raleigh is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 60.13 vs Santa Ana's 45.83.
- Air quality in Raleigh is moderate, and in Santa Ana it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana vs. Raleigh move
- Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Raleigh without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Raleigh
With your sights set on City of Oaks, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Raleigh.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Raleigh
- Five Points
- North Raleigh
- Northwest Raleigh
- West Raleigh
Best neighborhoods for families
- Cameron Village
- North Hills
- South Park
- Brier Creek
- Stonehenge
Things to do in Raleigh
Now that you've made the move to North Carolina it's the perfect time to explore Raleigh From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Raleigh include museums and art centers like the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, Haywood Hall House & Gardens, and Marbles Kids Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), North Carolina FC (USL), North Carolina Courage (NWSL), or Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Raleigh?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Santa Ana to Raleigh. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Raleigh?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Santa Ana to Raleigh moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Raleigh take?
Covering 2,540 miles, the move from Santa Ana, CA to Raleigh, NC typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Raleigh can help bridge the gap.