Moving from Riverside to Santa Ana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Riverside 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 39-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Riverside to Santa Ana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Riverside to Santa Ana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Riverside 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 39 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $762 - $2,654 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $365 - $1,098 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $47 - $120 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Burgess Moving and Storage | $75/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 Riverside to Santa Ana?
It costs between $38 to $4,078 to move from Riverside to Santa Ana. The prices below break down your 39-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $480 - $4,078
- Moving containers: $127 - $1,487
- Rental trucks: $38 - $152
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $480 - $1,390 | $127 - $822 | $38 - $94 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $762 - $2,654 | $365 - $1,098 | $47 - $120 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,317 - $4,078 | $776 - $1,487 | $65 - $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 | $75/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 Riverside to Santa Ana
At 39 miles, your Riverside 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 Riverside to Santa Ana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 39 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Riverside 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 Riverside guide.
Considerations when moving from Riverside to Santa Ana
Cost of living: Riverside vs. Santa Ana
Comparing life in Riverside and Santa Ana goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Santa Ana stacks up against Riverside.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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% |
- Rent prices in Santa Ana are 15% higher than in Riverside. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Santa Ana are 22% higher than in Riverside. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income levels in Riverside and Santa Ana are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential and simpler financial planning.
- Cost of living for one person is 146% higher in Santa Ana compared to Riverside. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Santa Ana, expect living costs to be about 99% higher than in Riverside. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Santa Ana a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Santa Ana matches that of Riverside, so you can look forward to a similar job market and employment opportunities in your new city.
- Sales tax in Santa Ana is 6% higher than in Riverside, so expect to spend a bit more on things like meals, shopping, and other taxable purchases.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Riverside, you’d need roughly $7,380 to maintain the same lifestyle in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Santa Ana
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Santa Ana compared to Riverside. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| 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 |
Santa Ana sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from Riverside to Santa Ana might seem straightforward since both cities are similarly sized, but don’t let that fool you. The real differences lie in each city's atmosphere, job market, layout, and living costs. Those are the things you’ll really feel.
- Riverside and Santa Ana both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summers in Santa Ana average 82°F, while Riverside reaches 94°F. Expect more comfortable summers and lower cooling costs in your new city.
- During the chilliest months, both Riverside and Santa Ana experience similar lows—expect 42°F in Riverside and 47°F in Santa Ana.
- Both Riverside and Santa Ana experience similar annual rainfall, with Riverside receiving 11 inches and Santa Ana getting 13 inches.
- Both Riverside and Santa Ana receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime is higher in Santa Ana (54.17) than in Riverside (40.24).
Things to do in Santa Ana
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Santa Ana.
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 Riverside to Santa Ana?
Shipping furniture from Riverside to Santa Ana with a mover will cost between $343 and $1,191. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $762–$2,654, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Riverside to Santa Ana will cost from $1,317–$4,078.
How much are moving container companies from Riverside to Santa Ana?
If you're moving from Riverside to Santa Ana and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $115 to $774. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $365 and $1,098. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $776 up to $1,487.
How much is a moving truck from Riverside to Santa Ana?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $38 and $95. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $47 to $120. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Riverside to Santa Ana, truck rental prices typically range from $65 up to $152.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-Santa Ana movers?
For a smooth move from Riverside to Santa Ana, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Ana?
To score the best moving deals to Santa Ana, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
