St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best MN→CA movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 50 Minnesota 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 St. Paul to Santa Ana

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Santa Ana runs about 74% higher for singles and 160% higher for families than St. Paul.

Singles spend around $6,333 in Santa Ana versus $3,633 in St. Paul; families pay $11,160 compared with $4,290.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	St. Paul	Santa Ana
Average 1 BR rent		$2,200
Average 3 BR rent		$3,000
Average home value	$278,221	$843,858
Average income (per capita)	$63,483	$77,283
Cost of living (single)	$3,633	$6,333
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,290	$11,160
Unemployment rate	4.9%	7.0%
Sales tax	9.88%	9.25%
State income tax	9.85%	13.3%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Planning a move to Santa Ana? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 96% higher than in St. Paul, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Santa Ana are about 203% higher than those in St. Paul.
Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 22% higher in Santa Ana compared to St. Paul, which might allow for more savings or investments.
Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Santa Ana, as living costs for a single person are 74% higher than in St. Paul. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
If you're moving your family to Santa Ana, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Santa Ana is 160% higher than in St. Paul.
Santa Ana shows an unemployment rate that exceeds St. Paul by around 43%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
Sales taxes are 6% less in Santa Ana relative to St. Paul. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
Income taxes in California are 35% above those in Minnesota. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between St. Paul and Santa Ana:

Living Expense	St. Paul	Santa Ana
Basic utilities		$200.96
Cell phone plan		$54.33
Dozen eggs		$5.45
Loaf of bread		$4.59
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)		$25.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)		$100.00
Gym membership		$25.00

How life is different in St. Paul vs. Santa Ana

	St. Paul	Santa Ana
Population	303,176	310,227
Transportation score	8	7
Walkability score	60	67
Bike friendliness score	64	62
Crime index	50.86	54.17
Safety index	49.14	45.83
Air quality	Good	Moderate

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Santa Ana's population is within about 5% of St. Paul, so they’re very similar in size.
Santa Ana's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than St. Paul's score of 8.
Santa Ana is more walkable than St. Paul with a score of 67 out of 100 vs St. Paul's 60 out of 100.
Both Santa Ana and St. Paul have similar bike-friendliness scores (64 vs 62), meaning Santa Ana is about as safe for cyclists as St. Paul. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
Santa Ana's crime rate is higher than St. Paul with a score of 54.17 compared to St. Paul's 50.86. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
Santa Ana is considered to be less safe than St. Paul with a score of 45.83 vs St. Paul's 49.14.
Air quality in Santa Ana is Moderate, and in St. Paul it's Good.

Other things to consider for your St. Paul to Santa Ana 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: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: California 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 Santa Ana. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Santa Ana

Planning your move to ? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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

After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Santa Ana has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

Arts and culture: Santa Ana features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Santiago Park Nature — 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 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.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Santa Ana?

Planning your move from St. Paul to Santa Ana? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in St. Paul.

When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Santa Ana?

Because most people are moving from St. Paul to Santa Ana 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 St. Paul to Santa Ana take?

The 1,930-mile journey from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA, typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in St. Paul offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Santa Ana.

Are there special savings available from movers in St. Paul?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 3 provide savings for AAA members. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 2 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 St. Paul?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In St. Paul, 28 movers can manage piano relocations. 13 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Minnesota has 42 piano movers and 17 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.