($1,647+) Newark, NJ to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $1,534 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,099 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,777 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,602, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,099 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,062 - $7,318, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,534 - $4,438.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,851 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Newark, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Newark to Santa Ana: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,851 - $7,499. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,777-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,777-mile route from Newark to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,602 - $5,922 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($2,062 - $3,698), rental truck ($1,534 - $3,037), or freight trailer ($1,783 - $3,678). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,851 - $7,499 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,099.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,777-mile relocation from Newark, New Jersey, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $2,602 and $12,099. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $441 - $2,940, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Newark typically charge a base rate around $260 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,602 - $5,922
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,851 - $7,499
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,955 - $12,099
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Newark to Santa Ana.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Santa Ana, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $735 - $7,350 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $294 - $1,764/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $441 - $3,528 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,470 - $4,410 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,675 - $14,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,101 - $2,092 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,470 - $3,675 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $1,176 - $5,145 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling42% of local movers | $441 - $2,205 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $956 - $2,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $441 - $22,050+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $441 - $5,145+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Santa Ana?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Newark, NJ. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $2,062 and $7,318. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Newark typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,062 - $3,698
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,595 - $5,693
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,471 - $7,318
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $110 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $221 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $1,029 in Newark, NJ, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Santa Ana, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $2,062. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,595 - $5,693, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Newark to Santa Ana?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Newark to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Newark:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
Truck rentals from Newark, New Jersey, to Santa Ana, California, range from $1,534 - $4,438 for the 2,777-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,299 - $1,484
- Daily insurance: $44/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Newark to Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,534 - $3,037
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,696 - $3,615
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,100 - $4,438
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Newark to Santa Ana starts at $1,534 - $4,438, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,299 - $1,484) , overnight lodging ($221/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $221 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $96 and $478 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,299 - $1,484 in fuel for the 2,777-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,029 in Newark, New Jersey, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark to Santa Ana?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Newark, NJ to Santa Ana, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Santa Ana, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,323 and $4,555.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,783 - $3,678
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,076 - $4,555
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,893 - $6,094
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $110 - $221 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about five hours typically runs $1,029.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Santa Ana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Santa Ana quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Newark, NJ vs Santa Ana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Ana, side by side with Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 165 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 45.83/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Ana, CA to Newark, NJ guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. New Jersey alone has 89 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,777-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Newark, NJ, to Santa Ana, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,602 for a studio to $12,099 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,777-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,062 - $7,318. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,534 - $4,438, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,851 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to Santa Ana, CA
How much does it cost to move from Newark, NJ to Santa Ana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,602 to $12,099, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,602 and $12,099, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Santa Ana?
Santa Ana has a walkability score of 67 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 62, compared to 76 and 51 in Newark. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,299 - $1,484), daily insurance ($44/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $29) on top. Overnight stops can add another $221/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Newark, NJ to Santa Ana, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
