The best local movers for Missoula to Santa Ana moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Missoula that also handles long-distance moves to Santa Ana. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated three local movers in Missoula who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Missoula to Santa Ana.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Montana Transfer: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All Lanes Moving & Storage: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men and a Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 61
DOT #: 514197
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 917105
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 917105
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Missoula to Santa Ana?
The average hourly rate for movers in Montana is $140. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,390 – $5,761 | $871 – $2,219 | $729 – $1,434 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,074 – $7,646 | $1,512 – $3,163 | $846 – $1,620 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,433 – $9,845 | $2,177 – $4,401 | $1,012 – $1,996 |
Cost to hire movers from Missoula to Santa Ana
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Missoula to Santa Ana will cost between $1,390 and $5,761. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Missoula to Missoula will range from $3,074 to $7,646, and a large move from Missoula to Santa Ana will cost from $5,433 to $9,845.
Cost of moving containers from Missoula to Santa Ana
If you’re moving from Missoula to Santa Ana, expect to pay between $871 and $2,219 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,512 up to $3,163. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,177 and $4,401. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Montana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Missoula to Santa Ana
Renting a moving truck from Missoula to Santa Ana is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $729 and $1,434. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $846 and $1,620. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,012 up to $1,996 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Missoula to Santa Ana
The cost of Missoula movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,642, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,895.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Missoula, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($729–$1,845) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Missoula to Santa Ana
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Santa Ana runs about 215% higher for singles and 91% higher for families than Missoula.
Singles spend around $6,333 in Missoula versus $2,011 in Missoula; families pay $11,160 compared with $5,832.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Missoula | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $2,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,983 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $544,475 | $843,858 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $77,283 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,011 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,832 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 100% higher in Santa Ana compared to Missoula; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 55% greater in Santa Ana than in Missoula.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 31% higher in Santa Ana than in Missoula, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Santa Ana, since the cost of living for a single person in Santa Ana is 215% higher than in Missoula. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Santa Ana, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Santa Ana is 91% greater than in Missoula.
- In Santa Ana, the unemployment rate is approximately 59% higher than in Missoula, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Santa Ana has a sales tax, while Missoula does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 97% higher in California than in Montana, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Missoula and Santa Ana:
| Living Expense | Missoula | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $132.00 | $200.96 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $54.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $63.33 | $25.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Missoula than in Santa Ana, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Missoula than in Santa Ana.
- Eggs are less expensive in Missoula than in Santa Ana.
- Bread costs less in Missoula than in Santa Ana.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Missoula than in Santa Ana.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Missoula than in Santa Ana.
- Gym memberships cost more in Missoula than in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Santa Ana
| Missoula | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 310,227 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 62 |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 54.17 |
| Safety index | 66.73 | 45.83 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Santa Ana’s population is about 299% greater than Missoula.
- Santa Ana’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Missoula’s score of 5.
- Santa Ana is more walkable than Missoula with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Missoula’s 45 out of 100.
- Both Santa Ana and Missoula have similar bike-friendliness scores (60 vs 62), meaning Santa Ana is about as safe for cyclists as Missoula. 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 Missoula with a score of 54.17 compared to Missoula’s 33.27. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
- Santa Ana is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 45.83 vs Missoula’s 66.73.
- Air quality in Santa Ana is Moderate, and in Missoula it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Missoula to Santa Ana move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Santa Ana. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
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
Things to do in Santa Ana
Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what Santa Ana has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Santa Ana, such as the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Santiago Park Nature — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Missoula to Santa Ana?
The best time to move from Missoula to Santa Ana is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Missoula.
When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Santa Ana?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Missoula to Santa Ana, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Missoula to Santa Ana take?
Moving from Missoula, MT to Santa Ana, covers 1,207 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Missoula movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Santa Ana.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Missoula?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 3 movers in Missoula advertise piano moving expertise. State totals show 8 piano movers and 2 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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