Local moving companies in Iowa
When making the move from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Santa Ana, CA.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 299154
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2991947
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- 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
Cost to move from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA
The following table outlines average cost ranges for moves from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA, by home size and moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,231 – $4,859 | $993 – $2,500 | $1,012 – $1,777 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,902 – $6,468 | $1,917 – $3,840 | $1,106 – $2,158 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,661 – $9,540 | $2,592 – $5,101 | $1,327 – $2,776 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,722-mile move from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of authenticated price data points from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Your end price can vary by shipment size, added services, parking/access limitations, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest comparing several mover quotes to confirm pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA, you can expect prices to land between $1,231 and $4,859. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,902 to $6,468. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,661 and $9,540.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA, will cost you $993 to $2,500 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,917 to $3,840. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,592 to $5,101. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,012 and $1,777 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,106 to $2,158. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,327 to $2,776.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | × | ✓ | × | × |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Black Belt Movers | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Considering the 3,180 movers we’ve assessed, take a look at how Iowa movers compare against the national average for services and discounts provided:
| Iowa | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 91% | 96% |
| Antiques | 40% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 2% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Santa Ana, CA stacks up against Iowa. We’ll cover everything, from cost of living and the social scene to daily life and can’t-miss attractions in your area.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Santa Ana, CA
| Iowa | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $2,650 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $843,858 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $77,283 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 165 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 7.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
Santa Ana sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 190% more expensive in Santa Ana than in Iowa, so be sure to plan ahead and allocate additional funds.
- In Santa Ana, home prices run about 283% higher than in Iowa. Be prepared for a larger down payment, steeper property taxes, and higher overall homeownership costs.
- On average, incomes in Santa Ana are about 10% higher than in Iowa. This could help you stay on top of living expenses or grow your savings over time.
- Unemployment in Santa Ana runs 133% above Iowa, so be proactive with networking and applications.
- Income taxes in California are 202% higher than in Iowa, leaving you with less take-home pay to cover expenses or save.
How life is different in Santa Ana from Iowa
| Santa Ana | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 47ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 13″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Santa Ana voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
- Summers in Santa Ana typically reach highs of 82ºF, which is comparable to the average 84ºF in Iowa. The temps in your new home shouldn’t come as a shock. However, be sure to consider the area’s humidity, local weather patterns, and changes in energy expenses for a complete picture of what summer will feel like in your new home.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Santa Ana generally drop to around 47ºF, while Iowa can get as cold as 10ºF. Moving to Santa Ana means you’ll enjoy gentler winters, which makes daily life easier, more affordable, and more pleasant.
- In Santa Ana, you’ll get just 13 inches of rain annually, less than the 35 inches you typically see in Iowa. With all the extra sunshine, you’ll have more opportunities to explore your new surroundings. This sunnier forecast is the perfect way to start your next chapter.
- Santa Ana doesn’t get snow, while Iowa sees around 30 inches annually. Relocating to Santa Ana means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Crime rates in Santa Ana are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 54.17 versus 16.18. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Santa Ana
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Santa Ana can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Santa Ana
- Bowers Museum
- Lyon Air Museum
- Discovery Cube Orange County
- Heritage Museum of Orange County
- Orange County Museum of Art
Parks in Santa Ana
- Santiago Park Nature
Sports teams in Santa Ana
- 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)
Universities in Santa Ana
- Santa Ana College
- California Coast University
- Art Institute of California
Other considerations when moving to Santa Ana, CA
- HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
- 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 your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can check your California moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to California, but you should check local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Mover’s 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: Peace of mind is everything. With our moving checklist, you can be sure you’re on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Santa Ana take?
The time it takes to move from Iowa to Santa Ana, CA varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.
If you’re heading to Santa Ana from northern Iowa, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.
Moving your belongings from Iowa to Santa Ana typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Make sure to ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Santa Ana?
Because of the 1,722-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Santa Ana as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Ana, CA?
With summer temperatures reaching 82°F and winter nights dipping to 47°F, most people make the move from Iowa to Santa Ana in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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