Moving from Santa Clarita to Irvine, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Santa Clarita to Irvine costs between $82 to $4,361 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 76-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Santa Clarita to Irvine
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Santa Clarita to Irvine are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Santa Clarita to driving and unloading in Irvine, 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 76 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,179 - $3,516 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $820 - $1,667 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $98 - $167 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gentlemen's Moving Company | $125/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 Clarita to Irvine?
It costs between $82 to $4,361 to move from Santa Clarita to Irvine. The prices below break down your 76-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $643 - $4,361
- Moving containers: $620 - $1,950
- Rental trucks: $82 - $167
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $643 - $2,936 | $620 - $1,030 | $82 - $140 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,179 - $3,516 | $820 - $1,667 | $98 - $167 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,699 - $4,361 | $1,100 - $1,950 | $109 - $167 |
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 | $486 - $4,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $125/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | $243 - $486/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $324 - $1,296 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $81 - $324 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Santa Clarita to Irvine
At 76 miles, your Santa Clarita to Irvine 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 Clarita to Irvine. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 76 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Santa Clarita to Irvine. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Irvine to Santa Clarita guide.
Considerations when moving from Santa Clarita to Irvine
Cost of living: Santa Clarita vs. Irvine
The cost of living in Santa Clarita vs. Irvine isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Irvine compares to what you’re used to in Santa Clarita.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Clarita | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,295 | $4,000 |
| Average home cost | $722,430 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income (per capita) | $119,926 | $129,647 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,290 | $9,167 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,722 | $18,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.5% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in Irvine are 21% higher than in Santa Clarita, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Irvine are 54% higher than in Santa Clarita, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Irvine, where average income is 8% higher than in Santa Clarita — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 179% higher in Irvine compared to Santa Clarita. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Irvine, plan for living expenses to be about 168% higher than in Santa Clarita. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Irvine is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Irvine is 44% lower than in Santa Clarita. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- With sales taxes 18% lower in Irvine than Santa Clarita, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Santa Clarita, you’ll need about $8,370 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Irvine.
How life is different in Santa Clarita vs. Irvine
Before you move, check out how life in Irvine measures up to Santa Clarita. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Santa Clarita | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 228,673 | 307,670 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 18" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 35.92 | 31.01 |
Irvine sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Irvine has a population roughly 35% higher than Santa Clarita. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Santa Clarita and Irvine supported the Democratic candidate.
- In Irvine, summer highs top out around 82°F, lower than Santa Clarita’s 89°F. Relocating here means milder summers and a more relaxed pace outdoors.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Santa Clarita and Irvine—with winter lows around 46°F and 46°F.
- Both Santa Clarita and Irvine see similar yearly rainfall—Santa Clarita averages 18 inches, while Irvine gets 13 inches.
- Both Santa Clarita and Irvine receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Irvine posts a lower crime rate than Santa Clarita, with a crime index of 31.01 compared to Santa Clarita’s 35.92.
Things to do in Irvine
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Irvine has plenty to offer:
Museums in Irvine
- Pretend City Children's Museum
- Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art
- Museum of Woman
Parks in Irvine
- Orange County Great Park
- Adventure Playground
- William R. Mason Regional Park
- Turtle Rock Community Park
- Jeffrey Open Space Trail
Sports teams in Irvine
- UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo)
- Adult Basketball Leagues
- Adult Soccer Leagues
- Adult Softball Leagues
- Tennis League
Universities in Irvine
- University of California, Irvine
- California Southern University
- Concordia University
- Westcliff University
- Irvine Valley College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Santa Clarita to Irvine?
Shipping furniture from Santa Clarita to Irvine with a moving company typically costs between $560 and $2,400. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,179 to $3,516. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,699 and $4,361 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Clarita to Irvine?
If you’re planning a move from Santa Clarita to Irvine and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $438 and $1,047. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $820 to $1,667. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,100 to $1,950.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Clarita to Irvine?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $88 and $132. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $98 and $167. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Santa Clarita to Irvine, truck rentals usually range from $109 up to $167.
How far in advance should I book Santa Clarita-to-Irvine movers?
To make your move from Santa Clarita to Irvine as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Irvine?
The cheapest time of year to move to Irvine is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
