($1,435+) Santa Ana, CA to Jersey City, NJ Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Jersey City, NJ ranges from $1,345 to $11,650, with an average cost of $4,500. Moves can be as low as $1,435 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,771 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 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 Jersey City, NJ
Moving options from Santa Ana to Jersey City fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,345 - $11,650 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,500, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 56% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,771 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,771-mile route from Santa Ana to Jersey City, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,345 - $5,938, container $1,876 - $3,832, rental truck $1,480 - $3,076, freight trailer $1,637 - $3,285.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,860 - $7,906, container $2,556 - $5,184, rental truck $1,701 - $3,522, freight trailer $2,025 - $3,901.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $7,554 - $11,650, container $3,391 - $7,069, rental truck $1,965 - $4,408, freight trailer $2,685 - $5,879.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Ana, CA to Jersey City, NJ
For the 2,771-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Jersey City, New Jersey, full-service movers cost between $1,345 and $11,650. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $465 - $3,100 (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 Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,345 - $5,938
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,860 - $7,906
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,554 - $11,650
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 Jersey City.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Jersey City, NJ
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Jersey City, 61% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $775 - $7,750 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $310 - $1,860/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $465 - $3,720 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,550 - $4,650 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,875 - $15,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,161 - $2,206 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,550 - $3,875 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,240 - $5,425 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $465 - $2,325 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,008 - $3,100 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $465 - $23,250+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $465 - $5,425+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Jersey City?
All three below meet the standards set by the New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association, the group most New Jersey movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Santa Ana, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to Jersey City, NJ
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Jersey City, New Jersey, cost between $1,876 and $7,069. 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 Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,876 - $3,832
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,556 - $5,184
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,391 - $7,069
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Santa Ana, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,085, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $116 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $233 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Santa Ana, CA, and Jersey City, NJ, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to New Jersey 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 $1,876. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,556 - $5,184.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Jersey City?
- 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:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Jersey City, NJ
Renting a moving truck for the 2,771-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Jersey City, New Jersey, costs between $1,480 and $4,408, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,367 - $1,562
- Daily insurance: $47/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $31
- 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 Jersey City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,480 - $3,076
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,701 - $3,522
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,965 - $4,408
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,480 - $4,408 does not include fuel ($1,367 - $1,562), lodging ($233/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Santa Ana to Jersey City typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Santa Ana, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,085.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,367 - $1,562 for the 2,771-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $93 and $504, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $233 per night for hotel stops on the 2,771-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $465 - $698.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Jersey City?
- 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 Jersey City, NJ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Santa Ana, California, to Jersey City, New Jersey, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $2,025 and $3,901.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,637 - $3,285
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,025 - $3,901
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,685 - $5,879
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $116 - $233 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Santa Ana, California, typically costs $1,085.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Jersey City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Santa Ana to Jersey City, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs Jersey City, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Jersey City, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Jersey City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 140 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $2,975/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $538,163 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $94,813/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 8.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 10.7% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 87/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 56.79/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Jersey City, NJ to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to New Jersey, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,771-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Santa Ana, CA, to Jersey City, NJ, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,345 - $11,650 on the 2,771-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,876 - $7,069 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,480 - $4,408 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,860 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Kuehne + Nagel International AG and Tokio Marine Management.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Jersey City, NJ
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Santa Ana?
Local movers based in Santa Ana typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Jersey City run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations.
What are the best neighborhoods in Jersey City?
For families, Greenville, Mcginley Square, and West Side are worth a look in Jersey City. If you're moving solo or without kids, Journal Square, Mcginley Square, and The Heights tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Jersey City?
Jersey City has a walkability score of 87 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 64, compared to 67 and 62 in Santa Ana. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.