($1,519+) Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA ranges from $1,324 to $12,999, with an average cost of $4,650. Moves can be as low as $1,519 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,661 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 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 Arlington, VA
Moving options from Santa Ana to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,324 - $12,999 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,650, 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 2,661 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,661-mile route from Santa Ana to Arlington, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,324 - $5,984 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($2,004 - $3,814), rental truck ($1,503 - $3,033), or freight trailer ($1,680 - $3,467). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $4,095 - $8,148 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,999.
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 Arlington, VA
For the 2,661-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Arlington, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $1,324 and $12,999. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $494 - $3,292 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Santa Ana generally start around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,324 - $5,984
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,095 - $8,148
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,174 - $12,999
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 Arlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $823 - $8,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $329 - $1,975/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $494 - $3,950 |
| 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 | $1,646 - $4,938 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,115 - $16,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,233 - $2,342 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,646 - $4,115 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,317 - $5,761 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $494 - $2,469 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $1,070 - $3,292 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $494 - $24,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $494 - $5,761+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Arlington?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
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 Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $2,004 and $6,869. 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 Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,004 - $3,814
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,598 - $5,362
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,581 - $6,869
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 $1,152 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 $123 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $247 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 Arlington, VA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Virginia 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 $2,004. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,598 - $5,362, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Truck rentals from Santa Ana, California, to Arlington, Virginia, range from $1,503 - $4,431 for the 2,661-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,394 - $1,593
- Daily insurance: $49/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $33
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,503 - $3,033
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,645 - $3,432
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,036 - $4,431
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Santa Ana to Arlington starts at $1,503 - $4,431, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,394 - $1,593) , overnight lodging ($247/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Santa Ana, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,152.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,394 - $1,593 for the 2,661-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $99 and $535, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $247 per night for hotel stops on the 2,661-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $494 - $741.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
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 Arlington, Virginia.
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 $2,120 and $4,120.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,680 - $3,467
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,120 - $4,120
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,920 - $5,553
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $123 - $247 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 $1,152.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Santa Ana to Arlington, 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 Arlington, VA
Day-to-day costs in Arlington are close to what you're used to in Santa Ana: cost of living index of 164 versus 165, with average rent of $2,718/mo compared to $2,650/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 67/100 and 45.83/100 in Santa Ana versus 71/100 and 79.15/100 in Arlington.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Virginia over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 2,661-mile move.
Our take
A move from Santa Ana, CA, to Arlington, VA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,324 - $12,999 on the 2,661-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $2,004 - $6,869, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,503 - $4,431. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $4,095 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Arlington, VA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,394 - $1,593), daily insurance ($49/day), and equipment rentals ($12 - $33) on top. Overnight stops can add another $247/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA?
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 $1,645 - $3,432. 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 Arlington, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,324 to $12,999, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,324 and $12,999, 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 Arlington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
