$1,381 Movers From Chicago to Santa Ana

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA averages from $1,483 to $8,157 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Santa Ana, CA.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Santa Ana to Chicago guide.

Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana resources

Moving 2,014 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Santa Ana?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,381 - $5,584 $1,331 - $3,260 $1,275 - $2,589
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,827 - $8,157 $2,417 - $5,073 $1,483 - $3,051
4+ bedrooms $7,312 - $12,043 $3,278 - $6,844 $1,778 - $3,924
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,014 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Santa Ana will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Santa Ana?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Santa Ana will cost between $1,381 to $5,584. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,827 to $8,157, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Santa Ana will cost from $7,312 to $12,043.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Santa Ana?

Moving containers from Chicago to Santa Ana will cost you $1,331 to $3,260 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,417 to $5,073. A larger home will cost $3,278 to $6,844.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Santa Ana?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,275 to $2,589. A larger move will cost $1,483 to $3,051, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Santa Ana costs from $1,778 to $3,924. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to Santa Ana moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Santa Ana is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Santa Ana.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Santa Ana

Cost of living: Chicago vs Santa Ana

Chicago Santa Ana
Average rent cost $1,595 $2,730
Average home value $306,098 $756,873
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $77,283
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $0
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $0
Unemployment rate 9.0% 7.0%
Sales Tax 10.25% 9.25%
State Income Tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Santa Ana are 71% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Santa Ana are 147.3% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Santa Ana is 17.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Santa Ana is 100.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Santa Ana is 100.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Santa Ana is 22.22% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Santa Ana are 9.76% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Santa Ana are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $0.00 in Santa Ana to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Santa Ana?

Santa Ana Chicago
Population 310,227 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 9
Walkability score 67 77
Bike friendliness score 62 72
Crime Index 29.06 35.19
Safety Index 44.38 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Santa Ana's population is about 89% less than Chicago.
  • Santa Ana's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Santa Ana is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Santa Ana is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Santa Ana's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 29.06 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 29.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Santa Ana is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 44.38 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Santa Ana is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Santa Ana

  • Weather: Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall..
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Santa Ana. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Santa Ana

Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

What to do in Santa Ana

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • Bowers Museum
  • Lyon Air Museum
  • Discovery Cube Orange County
  • Kellogg House
  • Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
  • Main Place Mall
  • Firestorm Freerunning
  • Heritage Museum of Orange County
  • Blinking Owl Distillery
  • Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary
  • Network Brewery

Get your sports on!

Santa Ana is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

FAQs about moving from Chicago to Santa Ana

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Santa Ana?

The best time to move from Chicago to Santa Ana is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 47ºF in Santa Ana.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Santa Ana?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Santa Ana in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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