Moving from Oakland to Santa Ana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Oakland to Santa Ana costs between $461 to $8,661 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 402-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Oakland to Santa Ana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Oakland to Santa Ana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Oakland 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 402 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,234 - $6,000 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,380 - $2,537 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $487 - $937 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $147/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 Oakland to Santa Ana?
It costs between $461 to $8,661 to move from Oakland to Santa Ana. The prices below break down your 402-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,282 - $8,661
- Moving containers: $1,077 - $3,479
- Rental trucks: $461 - $1,170
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,282 - $4,258 | $1,077 - $1,919 | $461 - $783 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,234 - $6,000 | $1,380 - $2,537 | $487 - $937 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,862 - $8,661 | $1,792 - $3,479 | $569 - $1,170 |
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 | $588 - $4,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $147/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $392 - $1,568 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $98 - $392 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Oakland to Santa Ana
At 402 miles, your Oakland 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 Oakland to Santa Ana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 402 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Oakland to Santa Ana. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 86.9% of their 634 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Ana to Oakland guide.
Considerations when moving from Oakland to Santa Ana
Cost of living: Oakland vs. Santa Ana
When weighing the cost of living in Oakland versus Santa Ana, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Santa Ana really compares to Oakland.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Oakland | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,200 | $2,650 |
| Average home cost | $925,411 | $657,015 |
| Average income (per capita) | $97,369 | $88,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,146 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,584 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.25% | 9.25% |
- Rent prices in Santa Ana are 20% higher than in Oakland. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Santa Ana are 29% lower than in Oakland. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Santa Ana is 9% lower than in Oakland, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living costs for one person are 101% higher in Santa Ana compared to Oakland, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Santa Ana is 30% higher than in Oakland. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Santa Ana less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Santa Ana is 56% higher than in Oakland. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are 10% lower in Santa Ana than in Oakland. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Santa Ana can reduce your overall living expenses.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Oakland, you’d need about $6,030 in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Santa Ana
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Oakland and Santa Ana. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Oakland | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 310,227 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 72ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 44ºF | 47ºF |
| Annual rain | 24" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 54.17 |
Santa Ana sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Santa Ana is approximately 30% lower than the population of Oakland. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Oakland and Santa Ana leaned Democratic.
- Santa Ana regularly records highs near 82°F, compared to Oakland at 72°F. Relocating here means more intense summers and greater focus on cooling and comfort.
- In the coldest months, both Oakland and Santa Ana face similar winter lows—Oakland drops to 44°F, while Santa Ana falls to 47°F.
- Oakland usually sees more rain than Santa Ana, with about 24 inches of rainfall each year compared to Santa Ana’s 13 inches.
- Both Oakland and Santa Ana receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Santa Ana offers more peace of mind than Oakland, with a lower crime index of 54.17 versus 68.62.
Things to do in Santa Ana
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Santa Ana has it all.
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 Oakland to Santa Ana?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Oakland to Santa Ana, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,267 and $3,628. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $2,234 up to $6,000. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $3,862 to $8,661 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Oakland to Santa Ana?
Moving containers from Oakland to Santa Ana will cost you $800 to $1,808 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,380 to $2,537. A larger home will cost $1,792 to $3,479.
How much is a moving truck from Oakland to Santa Ana?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $439 to $847. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $487 and $937. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Oakland to Santa Ana, costs usually fall between $569 and $1,170.
How far in advance should I book Oakland-to-Santa Ana movers?
To make your move from Oakland to Santa Ana as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Ana?
For the best deals on your move to Santa Ana, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
