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Top local movers for Des Moines to Santa Ana moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Des Moines that also provides long-distance services to Santa Ana can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 13 local movers in Des Moines who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Des Moines to Santa Ana.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Santa Ana?
Movers in Iowa generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,296 – $4,831 | $1,052 – $2,619 | $975 – $1,911 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,171 – $6,596 | $1,950 – $3,600 | $1,107 – $2,296 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,519 – $10,501 | $2,661 – $5,232 | $1,316 – $2,671 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Santa Ana
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Santa Ana typically costs between $1,296 and $4,831. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,171 and $6,596 when moving from Des Moines to Santa Ana. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Des Moines to Santa Ana, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,519 up to $10,501.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Santa Ana
If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Santa Ana, you’ll typically spend between $1,052 and $2,619 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,950 up to $3,600. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,661 and $5,232. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Santa Ana
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Des Moines to Santa Ana move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $975 and $1,911. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,107 to $2,296. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,316 and $2,671.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Des Moines to Santa Ana
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Des Moines to Santa Ana might be as low as $2,479, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,227.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Des Moines.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $975 to $2,440 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Santa Ana
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Santa Ana runs about 235% higher for singles and 155% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $6,333 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $11,160 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $843,858 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $77,283 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 130% higher in Santa Ana than in Des Moines, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 339% higher in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 32% higher in Santa Ana than in Des Moines, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Santa Ana, as the cost of living for a single person in Santa Ana is 235% greater than in Des Moines. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Santa Ana, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 155% more than it is in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Santa Ana exceeds that of Des Moines by about 19%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Santa Ana exceed those in Des Moines by 32%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 202% higher in California than in Iowa. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Santa Ana, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $200.96 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $54.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $25.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Santa Ana, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Santa Ana.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Santa Ana.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Santa Ana.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Santa Ana.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Santa Ana.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Santa Ana
| Des Moines | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 310,227 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 62 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 54.17 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 45.83 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Santa Ana’s population is about 56% less than Des Moines.
- Santa Ana’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Santa Ana is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 62 out of 100, Santa Ana is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Santa Ana’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 54.17 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Santa Ana is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 45.83 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Santa Ana is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Santa Ana move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Santa Ana without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Santa Ana
Ready to relocate to ? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Santa Ana.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fairbridge Square
- South Coast
- Park Santiago
- Sanpointe
- Meredith Parkwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Meredith Parkwood
- Fairbridge Square
- West Grove Valley
- South Coast
Things to do in Santa Ana
Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore Santa Ana. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Santa Ana include museums and art centers like the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Santiago Park Nature, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Los Angeles Angels (in Anaheim)Anaheim Ducks (in Anaheim)Santa Ana College Dons (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Track & Field, Wrestling)Santa Ana United (Soccer Team) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Santa Ana?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Santa Ana. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Santa Ana?
With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Santa Ana in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Santa Ana take?
Covering 1,680 miles, the move from Des Moines, IA to Santa Ana, typically takes four to 15 days. Some Des Moines movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Santa Ana can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Santa Ana?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Des Moines, 10 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
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Des Moines moving services
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