($1,013+) Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN ranges from $1,305 to $10,005, with an average cost of $3,550. Moves can be as low as $1,013 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,790 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving options from Santa Ana to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,305 - $10,005 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,550, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 33% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 65% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,790 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,790-mile route from Santa Ana to Memphis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,305 - $4,990 | $1,406 - $2,880 | $1,044 - $2,009 | $1,359 - $2,466 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,006 - $6,798 | $2,009 - $3,757 | $1,062 - $2,295 | $1,546 - $3,162 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,087 - $10,005 | $2,718 - $4,996 | $1,409 - $2,838 | $2,195 - $4,249 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN
Hiring full-service movers from Santa Ana, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $1,305 and $10,005. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,790-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $400 - $2,668, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Santa Ana and Memphis. For a rough baseline, movers based in Santa Ana tend to start around $185 plus $75/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,305 - $4,990
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,006 - $6,798
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,087 - $10,005
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Santa Ana to Memphis.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Memphis, 41% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $667 - $6,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $267 - $1,601/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $400 - $3,202 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,334 - $4,002 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,335 - $13,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $999 - $1,898 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,334 - $3,335 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,067 - $4,669 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $400 - $2,001 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $867 - $2,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $400 - $20,010+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $400 - $4,669+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Memphis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Santa Ana, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,406 and $4,996. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Santa Ana costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,406 - $2,880
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,009 - $3,757
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,718 - $4,996
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Ana, CA and Memphis, TN. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $934 in Santa Ana, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $100 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $200 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,406. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,009 - $3,757.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Memphis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Santa Ana to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Santa Ana:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN
A rental truck for this 1,790-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $1,044 and $2,838. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $760 - $868
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Santa Ana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana to Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,044 - $2,009
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,062 - $2,295
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,409 - $2,838
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,044 - $2,838 does not include fuel ($760 - $868), lodging ($200/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Santa Ana to Memphis typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $200 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Santa Ana, California, usually costs about $934 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,790-mile drive falls between $760 and $868, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $67 and $400 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Memphis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN
If you're moving a larger household from Santa Ana, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Memphis, Tennessee.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,546 and $3,162.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,359 - $2,466
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,546 - $3,162
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,195 - $4,249
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $100 - $200 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Santa Ana, California, for about five hours typically runs $934.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Memphis fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs Memphis, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Memphis, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 86 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,299/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $154,209 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $51,211/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 22.51/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis, TN to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 1,790-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,790-mile route from Santa Ana, CA, to Memphis, TN, run $1,305 - $10,005 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,406 - $4,996, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,044 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,006, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Memphis, TN
How long does a move from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($760 - $868), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $200/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,062 - $2,295. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Memphis, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,013 to $10,005, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,305 and $10,005, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.