($928+) Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX ranges from $1,334 to $9,914, with an average cost of $3,750. Moves can be as low as $928 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,534 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 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 Houston, TX
Moving options from Santa Ana to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,334 - $9,914 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,750, 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 1,534 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,534-mile route from Santa Ana to Houston, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,334 - $5,599 | $1,414 - $2,814 | $1,005 - $1,871 | $1,324 - $2,410 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,000 - $7,009 | $1,955 - $3,933 | $1,098 - $2,293 | $1,579 - $3,146 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,562 - $9,914 | $2,534 - $5,254 | $1,356 - $2,586 | $2,089 - $4,286 |
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 Houston, TX
Full-service movers for the 1,534-mile relocation from Santa Ana, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,334 and $9,914. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $413 - $2,756, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Santa Ana typically charge a base rate around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,334 - $5,599
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,000 - $7,009
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,562 - $9,914
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 Houston.
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: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Houston, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $689 - $6,890 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $276 - $1,654/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $413 - $3,307 |
| 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 | $1,378 - $4,134 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,445 - $13,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,032 - $1,961 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,378 - $3,445 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,102 - $4,823 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $413 - $2,067 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $896 - $2,756 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $413 - $20,670+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $413 - $4,823+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Houston?
Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 Houston, TX
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,414 and $5,254. 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 Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,414 - $2,814
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,955 - $3,933
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,534 - $5,254
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Ana, CA and Houston, TX. 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 $965 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 $103 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $207 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 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 $1,414. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,955 - $3,933, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,534 miles from Santa Ana, California, to Houston, Texas, running $1,005 - $2,586. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $673 - $769
- Daily insurance: $41/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 Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,005 - $1,871
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,098 - $2,293
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,356 - $2,586
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Santa Ana to Houston starts at $1,005 - $2,586, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($673 - $769) , overnight lodging ($207/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
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 $103 and $482.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $207.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $673 and $769 for the 1,534-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 $965 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 Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
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 Houston, Texas.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,579 and $3,146.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,324 - $2,410
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,579 - $3,146
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,089 - $4,286
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $103 and $207.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Santa Ana, California, for roughly five hours typically average $965.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Houston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Santa Ana to Houston, 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 Houston, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Houston, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 97 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,549/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $258,925 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $62,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 47/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 36.5/100 |
| 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 Houston, 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 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,534-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Santa Ana, CA, to Houston, TX, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,334 - $9,914 on the 1,534-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,414 - $5,254 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,005 - $2,586 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,000 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Houston, TX
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 Houston, 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.
Is Houston a safe place to live?
Houston has a safety index of 36.5 out of 100 and a crime index of 63.5, compared to 45.83 and 54.17 in Santa Ana. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, 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 $1,098 - $2,293. 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 78% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
