($837+) Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX ranges from $1,220 to $8,898, with an average cost of $3,300. Moves can be as low as $837 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 $1,220 - $8,898 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,300, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 68% 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:
- Full-service movers: $1,220 for a studio up to $8,898 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,297 - $4,317 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $854 - $2,351, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,203 - $3,817, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Fort Worth, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,391-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Worth, Texas, with costs ranging from $1,220 - $8,898. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $419 - $2,796. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Santa Ana and Fort Worth. Local movers in Santa Ana typically start around $185 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Fort Worth:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,220 - $4,762
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,762 - $6,804
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,160 - $8,898
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: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fort Worth, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $699 - $6,990 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% 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 coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% 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 items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,398 - $3,495 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,118 - $4,893 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $419 - $2,097 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $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?
Look for Southwest Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Texas beyond this list.
- 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Santa Ana, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Worth, Texas, cost between $1,297 and $4,317. 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: $1,297 - $2,494
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,774 - $3,346
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,249 - $4,317
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $979 in Santa Ana, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $105 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $210 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Fort Worth, TX, destination before booking.
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 $1,297. 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 $1,774 - $3,346.
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:
- 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 Fort Worth, TX
A rental truck for this 1,391-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Fort Worth, Texas, costs between $854 and $2,351. 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: $854 - $1,683
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $896 - $1,868
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,152 - $2,351
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $854 - $2,351 does not include fuel ($619 - $707), lodging ($210/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Santa Ana to Fort Worth 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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $619 - $707 for the 1,391-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Santa Ana, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $979.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,391-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $210 per night, adding $419 - $629 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $70 and $419.
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
For larger DIY moves from Santa Ana, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Fort Worth, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,405 and $2,813.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Fort Worth:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $2,267
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,405 - $2,813
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,909 - $3,817
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $105 - $210 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Santa Ana, California, typically costs $979.
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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Santa Ana to Fort Worth. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
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 moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,391-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,391-mile route from Santa Ana, CA, to Fort Worth, TX, run $1,220 - $8,898 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,297 - $4,317, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $854 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,762, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Santa Ana?
Local movers based in Santa Ana typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Fort Worth run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 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 are the best neighborhoods in Fort Worth?
For families, Benbrook, North Richland Hills, and TCU-Westcliff are worth a look in Fort Worth. If you're moving solo or without kids, Arlington Heights, Fairmount, and Mistletoe Heights tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Ana, CA to Fort Worth, TX?
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 $896 - $1,868. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.