Riverside to Santa Ana Movers & Costs (2026)
Moving from Riverside to Santa Ana, CA (~39 miles) costs between $33 and $3,417, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as Burgess Moving and Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.44 out of 5 stars across 127 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $75/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in Riverside
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from Riverside to Santa Ana?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Riverside to Santa Ana are regulated by California law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid California intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by California companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Burgess Moving and Storage (4.44/5) as the top local pick, followed by Inland Empire Movers (4.44/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Riverside to Santa Ana moves complete in - days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 1,154+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Riverside to Santa Ana?
Movers typically charge between $33 and $3,417* for a Riverside to Santa Ana move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price depends on the service type and home size you choose.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $372 - $3,417
- Moving containers: $98 - $1,338
- Rental trucks: $33 - $121
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but you'll need to drive the truck yourself, plus line up or hire moving help.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers cut 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $372 - $1,154 | $98 - $669 | $33 - $78 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $666 - $2,203 | $325 - $884 | $41 - $99 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,028 - $3,417 | $644 - $1,338 | $54 - $121 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 1,154+ California moving companies, and are updated as of November 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Riverside, CA movers.
How Riverside to Santa Ana moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $75 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $900.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Riverside to Santa Ana
Moving from Riverside to Santa Ana is a job for local and regional California movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Burgess Moving and Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.44 out of 5 stars across 127 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Riverside to Santa Ana
Local movers operating within California know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.44 / 5
- Years in Business: 80
- 88% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.44 / 5
- Years in Business: 17
- 93% positive reviews
- BBB: C
rating
4.48 / 5
- Years in Business: 6
- 92% positive reviews
- BBB: NR
Our top local picks:
- Burgess Moving and Storage (4.44/5 stars): 88.2% positive customer ratings.
- Inland Empire Movers (4.44/5 stars): 93.0% positive customer ratings.
- JFK Moving Company (4.48/5 stars): 91.7% positive customer ratings.
- Trek Movers (4.5/5 stars): 95.6% positive customer ratings.
- VIP Transport, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): 87.9% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 214 movers in Riverside, drawing on 43,536 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Riverside to Santa Ana
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Riverside, CA
Riverside residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More California moving resources
How does Santa Ana compare to Riverside?
Cost of living: Riverside vs. Santa Ana
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Riverside | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,295 | $2,650 |
| Average home cost | $539,898 | $657,015 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,575 | $88,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 7.0% |
| Average sales tax | 8.75% | 9.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Riverside and Santa Ana comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 1,154+ California moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Santa Ana are 15% higher than in Riverside. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 15% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Santa Ana are 22% higher than Riverside. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Santa Ana matches Riverside. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person in Santa Ana is 146% higher than Riverside. Plan to add roughly 146% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Santa Ana is 99% higher than Riverside. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment rates in Santa Ana and Riverside match. Job market conditions are comparable for hiring and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Santa Ana are 6% higher than Riverside. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,380 in Santa Ana to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Riverside.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Santa Ana
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Santa Ana might look different from Riverside in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Riverside | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 310,227 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 47ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 54.17 |
Did you know: Summer moves in California can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 20% of movers in California, vs 23% nationally).
- Santa Ana has a similar population to Riverside. Cost of living, job market depth, and cultural breadth, not headcount, will define the move experience.
- In the last presidential election, both Riverside and Santa Ana voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Santa Ana top out at 82°F, vs. 94°F in Riverside. Lower cooling costs and longer comfortable outdoor windows are the practical upside.
- Winter lows in Riverside (42°F) and Santa Ana (47°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Riverside (11 inches) and Santa Ana (13 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Riverside and Santa Ana is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Santa Ana (54.17) is higher than Riverside (40.24). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Santa Ana
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Santa Ana. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
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
Final verdict: Riverside to Santa Ana movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide California service. For smaller moves, Burgess Moving and Storage (4.44/5) is the top local choice, with 88.2% positive reviews across 127 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $33 - $3,417, based on our analysis of 1,154+ California movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Riverside to Santa Ana
How much are moving container companies from Riverside to Santa Ana?
Moving containers from Riverside to Santa Ana cost $95 - $623 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $325 - $884, and a larger home costs $644 - $1,338.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Ana?
The cheapest time to move to Santa Ana is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
What percentage of Riverside movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 33% of movers in Riverside handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Riverside to Santa Ana?
A full-service move from Riverside to Santa Ana costs $302 - $940 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $666 - $2,203, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,028 - $3,417.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-Santa Ana movers?
Book your Riverside to Santa Ana movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.