Santa Ana, CA to Seattle, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Seattle typically costs $3,000–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,166 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Santa Ana to Seattle
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Seattle, WA typically costs $3,000–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,166-mile move from Santa Ana to Seattle, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,998 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,193 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $5,465 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 23, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 07, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 05, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 29, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Santa Ana to Seattle move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,400 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Santa Ana.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $800 to $2,300, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Seattle, WA to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Best Santa Ana to Seattle movers by type
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Best professional movers from Santa Ana to Seattle
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Santa Ana to Seattle much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→WA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 372 California movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Seattle
Many movers find Seattle easier on the wallet than Santa Ana - roughly 41% less for singles and 12% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,740 for one person in Seattle versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it's $9,801 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Santa Ana to Seattle, expect to find rent about 25% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- Home pricing is relatively consistent, with less than a 5% difference between Seattle and Santa Ana, making significant budget changes unnecessary unless you opt for a larger space.
- In terms of average income, Seattle and Santa Ana are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Seattle, as the cost of living for a single person is 41% lower compared to Santa Ana.
- A move to Seattle can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 12% less than what it costs in Santa Ana.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle is about 31% lower than in Santa Ana. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Seattle are 12% more than in Santa Ana, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Santa Ana and Seattle:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $78.35 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Santa Ana than in Seattle, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Seattle.
- Eggs are less expensive in Santa Ana than in Seattle.
- Bread costs less in Santa Ana than in Seattle.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Seattle.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Seattle
| Santa Ana | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 737,015 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 71 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Seattle's population is about 138% greater than Santa Ana.
- Seattle's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Santa Ana's score of 7.
- Seattle is more walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle is more bike-friendly than Santa Ana, which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Seattle's crime rate is higher than Santa Ana with a score of 58.88 compared to Santa Ana's 54.17. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Seattle is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 49.23 vs Santa Ana's 45.83.
- Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Santa Ana it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Seattle move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Washington’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Seattle. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Seattle
Planning your move to Emerald City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Seattle.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
After settling into your new Washington home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Seattle has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Seattle features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Seattle?
Planning your move from Santa Ana to Seattle? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Seattle?
Because most people are moving from Santa Ana to Seattle in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Seattle take?
The 1,166-mile journey from Santa Ana, CA to Seattle, WA, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Santa Ana offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Seattle.
Are there special savings available from movers in Santa Ana?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 3 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Santa Ana?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Santa Ana, 74 movers can manage piano relocations. 61 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
