($886+) Dallas, TX to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Dallas, TX, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $913 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,400 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,427 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,191, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,400 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,355 - $5,109, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $913 - $2,492.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dallas, TX, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,942 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 Dallas, TX to Santa Ana, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Dallas to Santa Ana: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,942 - $7,218. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,427 miles, expect 3 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,427-mile route from Dallas to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,191 - $5,178 | $1,355 - $2,692 | $913 - $1,820 | $1,308 - $2,400 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,942 - $7,218 | $1,839 - $3,797 | $959 - $2,124 | $1,414 - $2,919 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,274 - $9,400 | $2,525 - $5,109 | $1,307 - $2,492 | $1,940 - $3,969 |
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 Dallas, TX to Santa Ana, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,427-mile relocation from Dallas, Texas, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $2,191 and $9,400. 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 $378 - $2,520, 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 Dallas typically charge a base rate around $179 plus $60 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dallas to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,191 - $5,178
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,942 - $7,218
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,274 - $9,400
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 Dallas to Santa Ana.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Dallas, TX to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Dallas 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 packing99% of local movers | $630 - $6,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $252 - $1,512/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $378 - $3,024 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage26% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs69% of local movers | $1,260 - $3,780 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,150 - $12,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $944 - $1,793 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $1,260 - $3,150 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $1,008 - $4,410 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $378 - $1,890 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $819 - $2,520 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $378 - $18,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $378 - $4,410+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dallas 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Dallas, TX. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Dallas, TX to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Dallas, Texas, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $1,355 and $5,109. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Dallas costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dallas to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,355 - $2,692
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,839 - $3,797
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,525 - $5,109
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $95 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $189 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 $882 in Dallas, TX, 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 Texas 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 $1,355. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,839 - $3,797, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas:
- AB Moving (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- AM Moving Company LLC (4.4/5), 11 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dallas, TX to Santa Ana, CA
Plan on $913 - $2,492 for a rental moving truck on the 1,427-mile route from Dallas, Texas, to Santa Ana, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $572 - $654
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Dallas daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Dallas to Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $913 - $1,820
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $959 - $2,124
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,307 - $2,492
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Dallas to Santa Ana starts at $913 - $2,492, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($572 - $654) , overnight lodging ($189/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Dallas, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $882.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $572 - $654 for the 1,427-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $76 and $410, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $189 per night for hotel stops on the 1,427-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $378 - $567.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dallas 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 Dallas, TX to Santa Ana, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Dallas, Texas, to Santa Ana, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,414 and $2,919.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dallas to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,308 - $2,400
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,414 - $2,919
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,940 - $3,969
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $95 - $189 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Dallas, Texas, typically costs $882.
What are the best freight companies from Dallas 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.
- Hazel's Expedited Freight (4.62/5 stars): Hazel's Expedited Freight 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Dallas, TX 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 Dallas on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Dallas, TX | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 100 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,774/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $303,018 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $67,760/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 46/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 48.6/100 | 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 Dallas, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 289 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 1,427-mile route.
Our take
The 1,427-mile move from Dallas, TX, to Santa Ana, CA, costs between $2,191 and $9,400 with full-service movers, $1,355 - $5,109 with a moving container, and $913 - $2,492 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,942 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Dallas, TX, to Santa Ana, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Dallas, TX to Santa Ana, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Dallas, TX to Santa Ana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,191 to $9,400, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,191 and $9,400, 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 46 and 49 in Dallas. 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 ($572 - $654), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $189/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 percentage of Dallas movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in Dallas handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
