($901+) Fort Worth, TX to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Fort Worth, TX, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $865 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,090 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,408 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 $2,370, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,090 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,428 - $4,865, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $865 - $2,405.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fort Worth, TX, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,980 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 Fort Worth, TX to Santa Ana, CA
Moving options from Fort Worth to Santa Ana fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,980 - $7,181 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,408 miles, this route usually takes 3 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,408-mile route from Fort Worth to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,370 - $5,218, container $1,428 - $2,485, rental truck $865 - $1,673, freight trailer $1,311 - $2,378.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,980 - $7,181, container $1,734 - $3,689, rental truck $1,014 - $2,051, freight trailer $1,402 - $2,806.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,111 - $10,090, container $2,479 - $4,865, rental truck $1,165 - $2,405, freight trailer $1,885 - $3,737.
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 Fort Worth, TX to Santa Ana, CA
For the 1,408-mile move from Fort Worth, Texas, to Santa Ana, California, full-service movers cost between $2,370 and $10,090. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $382 - $2,544 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Fort Worth generally start around $216 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Worth to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,370 - $5,218
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,980 - $7,181
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,111 - $10,090
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 Fort Worth 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: 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 Fort Worth, TX to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Fort Worth 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 | $636 - $6,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $254 - $1,526/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $382 - $3,053 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage27% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs70% of local movers | $1,272 - $3,816 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,180 - $12,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $953 - $1,810 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $1,272 - $3,180 |
| Piano | Any piano type62% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $1,018 - $4,452 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $382 - $1,908 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $827 - $2,544 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $382 - $19,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $382 - $4,452+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fort Worth to Santa Ana?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Fort Worth, TX. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Fort Worth, TX to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Fort Worth, Texas, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $1,428 and $4,865. 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 Fort Worth typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Worth to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,428 - $2,485
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,734 - $3,689
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,479 - $4,865
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Fort Worth, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $890, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $95 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $191 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Fort Worth, TX, and Santa Ana, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,428. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,734 - $3,689, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth:
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 24 years in business
- Olde World Movers (4.9/5), 38 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fort Worth, TX to Santa Ana, CA
Plan on $865 - $2,405 for a rental moving truck on the 1,408-mile route from Fort Worth, Texas, to Santa Ana, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $570 - $651
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth to Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $865 - $1,673
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,014 - $2,051
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,165 - $2,405
Pro tip: A rental truck from Fort Worth to Santa Ana looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $865 - $2,405. But once you factor in fuel ($570 - $651) , overnight lodging ($191/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $95 and $445.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $191.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $570 and $651 for the 1,408-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $890 for 2 movers in Fort Worth, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth, TX to Santa Ana, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Fort Worth, Texas, 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 $1,145 and $2,806.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Worth to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,311 - $2,378
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,402 - $2,806
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,885 - $3,737
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Fort Worth, Texas, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $890.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $95 and $191 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Fort Worth to Santa Ana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Hazel's Expedited Freight (4.62/5 stars): Hazel's Expedited Freight is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Santa Ana fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fort Worth, TX | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,773/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $270,851 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $76,602/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 56.81/100 | 45.83/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Fort Worth, TX guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 289 movers in our Texas network to compare for this 1,408-mile move.
Our take
A move from Fort Worth, TX, to Santa Ana, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,370 - $10,090 on the 1,408-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,428 - $4,865, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $865 - $2,405. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,980 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Fort Worth, TX, to Santa Ana, CA
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Ana?
For families, Meredith Parkwood, Fairbridge Square, and West Grove Valley are worth a look in Santa Ana. If you're moving solo or without kids, Fairbridge Square, South Coast, and Park Santiago tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Fort Worth, TX to Santa Ana, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,014 - $2,051. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Santa Ana a safe place to live?
Santa Ana has a safety index of 45.83 out of 100 and a crime index of 54.17, compared to 56.81 and 43.19 in Fort Worth. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Fort Worth, TX 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 Fort Worth movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 62% of movers in Fort Worth handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
