($852+) Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX ranges from $1,268 to $10,005, with an average cost of $3,650. Moves can be as low as $852 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,391 miles and usually takes 3 to 8 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 Fort Worth, TX
Moving options from Santa Ana to Fort Worth fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,268 - $10,005 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,650, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,391 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,391-mile route from Santa Ana to Fort Worth, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,268 - $5,364 | $1,445 - $2,670 | $888 - $1,767 | $1,313 - $2,217 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,078 - $6,595 | $1,756 - $3,728 | $922 - $2,042 | $1,504 - $2,838 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,471 - $10,005 | $2,531 - $4,577 | $1,161 - $2,468 | $2,044 - $3,739 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,391-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Worth, Texas, with prices running from $1,268 - $10,005. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $419 - $2,796 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Santa Ana and Fort Worth are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Santa Ana movers tend to run around $185 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Fort Worth:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,268 - $5,364
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,078 - $6,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,471 - $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 Fort Worth.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Fort Worth, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $699 - $6,990 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $280 - $1,678/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $419 - $3,355 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,398 - $4,194 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,495 - $13,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,047 - $1,989 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,398 - $3,495 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,118 - $4,893 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $419 - $2,097 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $909 - $2,796 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $419 - $20,970+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $419 - $4,893+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Fort Worth?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Santa Ana, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Worth, Texas, cost between $1,445 and $4,577. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Santa Ana typically runs around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Fort Worth:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,445 - $2,670
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,756 - $3,728
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,531 - $4,577
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Santa Ana, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $979, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $105 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $210 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Santa Ana, CA, and Fort Worth, TX, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Texas 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 $1,445. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,756 - $3,728, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Fort Worth?
- 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:
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX
A rental truck for this 1,391-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Worth, Texas, costs between $888 and $2,468. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $619 - $707
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- 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 Fort Worth based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $888 - $1,767
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $922 - $2,042
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,161 - $2,468
Pro tip: The base rate of $888 - $2,468 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Santa Ana to Fort Worth. Fuel ($619 - $707) , lodging at around $210/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $105 and $489.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $210.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $619 and $707 for the 1,391-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $979 for 2 movers in Santa Ana, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Fort Worth?
- 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 Fort Worth, TX
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Worth, Texas, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,504 and $2,838.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Fort Worth:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,313 - $2,217
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,504 - $2,838
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,044 - $3,739
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Santa Ana, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $979.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $105 - $210 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Fort Worth?
- 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.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Santa Ana to Fort Worth, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs Fort Worth, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fort Worth, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Fort Worth, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 102 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,773/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $270,851 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $76,602/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 56.81/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Fort Worth, TX to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas 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 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 1,391-mile route.
Our take
The 1,391-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to Fort Worth, TX, costs between $1,268 and $10,005 with full-service movers, $1,445 - $4,577 with a moving container, and $888 - $2,468 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,078 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Fort Worth tend to point to quality education and ample economic opportunity, though tornadoes and allergy-inducing pollen come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include AMR/American Airlines and Texas Health Resources.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Fort Worth, TX
How walkable is Fort Worth?
Fort Worth has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 67 and 62 in Santa Ana. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($619 - $707), daily insurance ($42/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $210/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
What is the best time of year to move from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 3 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 78% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
