Moving from Santa Ana to San Bernardino, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to San Bernardino costs between $55 to $3,817 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 50-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Santa Ana to San Bernardino
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Santa Ana to San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino, 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 50 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,116 - $3,282 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $711 - $1,413 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $74 - $129 | 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 San Bernardino?
It costs between $55 to $3,817 to move from Santa Ana to San Bernardino. The prices below break down your 50-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $525 - $3,817
- Moving containers: $426 - $1,758
- Rental trucks: $55 - $119
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $525 - $2,784 | $426 - $887 | $55 - $96 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,116 - $3,282 | $711 - $1,413 | $74 - $129 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,494 - $3,817 | $878 - $1,758 | $87 - $119 |
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 San Bernardino
At 50 miles, your Santa Ana to San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 50 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 San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino to Santa Ana guide.
Considerations when moving from Santa Ana to San Bernardino
Cost of living: Santa Ana vs. San Bernardino
Comparing life in Santa Ana and San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino stacks up against Santa Ana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Ana | San Bernardino | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,650 | $1,950 |
| Average home cost | $657,015 | $381,380 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,354 | $63,988 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,333 | $2,054 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,160 | $4,469 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 10.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.25% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in San Bernardino are 26% lower than in Santa Ana, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in San Bernardino are 42% lower than in Santa Ana, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income in San Bernardino is 28% lower than in Santa Ana, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Moving to San Bernardino means you’ll spend 68% less on living expenses than you would in Santa Ana. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to San Bernardino, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 60% lower than in Santa Ana. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in San Bernardino is 51% higher than in Santa Ana. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes match in San Bernardino and Santa Ana, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Santa Ana, you’d need roughly $960 to maintain the same lifestyle in San Bernardino.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. San Bernardino
Before you move, see how life stacks up in San Bernardino compared to Santa Ana. 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.
| Santa Ana | San Bernardino | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 222,101 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 95ºF |
| Winter low | 47ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 73.87 |
San Bernardino sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that San Bernardino has about 28% fewer people than Santa Ana. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- Santa Ana and San Bernardino both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summers in San Bernardino can soar to 95°F, much hotter than Santa Ana’s high of 82°F. If you’re moving somewhere warmer, be prepared to update your wardrobe, cooling solutions, budget, and even your daily habits to beat the heat.
- During the chilliest months, both Santa Ana and San Bernardino experience similar lows—expect 47°F in Santa Ana and 42°F in San Bernardino.
- Both Santa Ana and San Bernardino experience similar annual rainfall, with Santa Ana receiving 13 inches and San Bernardino getting 13 inches.
- Both Santa Ana and San Bernardino receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime is higher in San Bernardino (73.87) than in Santa Ana (54.17).
Things to do in San Bernardino
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in San Bernardino.
Museums in San Bernardino
- Original McDonald's Site and Museum
- San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum
- Norton AFB Museum
- Inland Empire Military Museum
- Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art
Parks in San Bernardino
- Glen Helen Regional Park
- Blair Park
Sports teams in San Bernardino
- Inland Empire 66ers (Baseball)
- California State University of San Bernardino Coyotes
Universities in San Bernardino
- California State University, San Bernardino
- California University of Science and Medicine
- San Bernardino Valley College
- The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire
- American Sports University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Santa Ana to San Bernardino?
Shipping furniture from Santa Ana to San Bernardino with a mover will cost between $508 and $2,387. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,116–$3,282, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Santa Ana to San Bernardino will cost from $1,494–$3,817.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Ana to San Bernardino?
If you're moving from Santa Ana to San Bernardino and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $327 to $832. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $711 and $1,413. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $878 up to $1,758.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Ana to San Bernardino?
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 $57 and $95. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $74 to $129. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Santa Ana to San Bernardino, truck rental prices typically range from $87 up to $119.
How far in advance should I book Santa Ana-to-San Bernardino movers?
For a smooth move from Santa Ana to San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino?
To score the best moving deals to San Bernardino, 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.
