Moving from Santa Ana to Ontario, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Ontario costs between $39 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 33-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Santa Ana to Ontario
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Santa Ana to Ontario are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Santa Ana to driving and unloading in Ontario, 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 33 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $786 - $2,602 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $388 - $1,144 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $51 - $119 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Best Fit Movers | $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 Santa Ana to Ontario?
It costs between $39 to $4,078 to move from Santa Ana to Ontario. The prices below break down your 33-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $453 - $4,078
- Moving containers: $121 - $1,628
- Rental trucks: $39 - $146
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $453 - $1,431 | $121 - $806 | $39 - $92 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $786 - $2,602 | $388 - $1,144 | $51 - $119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,317 - $4,078 | $816 - $1,628 | $65 - $146 |
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 | $495 - $4,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $330 - $1,320 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $83 - $330 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Santa Ana to Ontario
At 33 miles, your Santa Ana to Ontario 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 Santa Ana to Ontario. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 33 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Santa Ana to Ontario. 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 Ontario to Santa Ana guide.
Considerations when moving from Santa Ana to Ontario
Cost of living: Santa Ana vs. Ontario
When comparing the cost of living between Santa Ana and Ontario, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Ontario stacks up against Santa Ana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Ana | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,650 | $2,619 |
| Average home cost | $657,015 | $564,076 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,354 | $82,806 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,333 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,160 | $5,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.25% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Ontario are about the same as in Santa Ana, so your housing budget should stay steady and make your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Ontario are 14% lower than in Santa Ana, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Ontario is 6% lower than in Santa Ana. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Ontario is 61% lower than in Santa Ana. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Ontario is 48% lower than in Santa Ana. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- The unemployment rate in Ontario matches that of Santa Ana, suggesting you'll find a similar job market and employment opportunities in your new city as you have now.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Ontario and Santa Ana, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,170 in Ontario to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Ontario
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Ontario vs. Santa Ana. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Santa Ana | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 175,265 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 47ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 50.25 |
Ontario sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Ontario has about 44% fewer people than Santa Ana. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, both Santa Ana and Ontario voted Democratic.
- In Ontario, summer highs often climb to 92°F, hotter than Santa Ana where averages reach 82°F. Prepare for extra sun and the challenges of hotter weather.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Santa Ana and Ontario experience similar winter lows, with Santa Ana reaching 47°F and Ontario getting down to 43°F.
- Both Santa Ana and Ontario see about the same yearly rainfall—Santa Ana averages 13 inches, while Ontario gets 16 inches each year.
- Both Santa Ana and Ontario receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Ontario is safer than Santa Ana, boasting a lower crime index of 50.25 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17.
Things to do in Ontario
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Ontario has you covered.
Museums in Ontario
- Museum of History and Art, Ontario
Parks in Ontario
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Sports teams in Ontario
- Ontario Reign (Hockey)
- Ontario Professional Baseball (Dodgers Affiliate - 2026)
Universities in Ontario
- University of La Verne
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Santa Ana to Ontario?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Santa Ana to Ontario, expect to pay between $347 and $1,132 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $786 and $2,602. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,317 up to $4,078 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Ana to Ontario?
If you’re moving from Santa Ana to Ontario and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $111 and go up to $774. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $388 and $1,144. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $816 and $1,628.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Ana to Ontario?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $40 to $101. A larger move will cost $51 to $119, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Santa Ana to Ontario costs from $65 to $146.
How far in advance should I book Santa Ana-to-Ontario movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Santa Ana to Ontario at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Santa Ana-to-Ontario movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Ontario?
To save money on your move to Ontario, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
