Arlington, VA to Santa Ana, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Santa Ana typically costs $4,200–$8,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,662 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Arlington to Santa Ana
Moving from Arlington, VA to Santa Ana, CA typically costs $4,200–$8,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,662-mile move from Arlington to Santa Ana, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,227 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $2,804 for a 3 bedroom using a rental truck.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $6,545 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Mar 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Mar 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 11, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 14, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 02, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Arlington to Santa Ana
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Arlington to Santa Ana might be as low as $2,500, while a four-bedroom could reach $12,400.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Arlington.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,700 to $4,800 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Santa Ana, CA to Arlington, VA guide.
Best Arlington to Santa Ana movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Arlington to Santa Ana
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Arlington to Santa Ana, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best VA→CA movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 103 Virginia movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Arlington to Santa Ana
Many movers find Santa Ana easier on the wallet than Arlington - roughly 8% less for singles and 7% less for families.
Monthly basics average $6,333 for one person in Santa Ana versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it's $11,160 compared with $11,970.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Arlington | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,475 | $2,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,350 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $843,858 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $77,283 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,867 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,970 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Switching from Arlington to Santa Ana won't strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- The home prices in Santa Ana and Arlington differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 40% lower in Santa Ana than in Arlington.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Santa Ana. The cost of living for a single person is 8% less compared to Arlington.
- Relocating to Santa Ana could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 7% lower than in Arlington.
- The unemployment rate in Santa Ana exceeds that of Arlington by about 75%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Santa Ana exceed those in Arlington by 54%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 131% higher in California than in Virginia. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Arlington and Santa Ana, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Arlington | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.70 | $200.96 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $54.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $24.50 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.25 | $25.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Arlington than in Santa Ana.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Arlington than in Santa Ana.
- Eggs are less expensive in Arlington than in Santa Ana.
- Bread costs less in Arlington than in Santa Ana.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Arlington than in Santa Ana.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Arlington than in Santa Ana.
- Gym memberships cost more in Arlington than in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Santa Ana
| Arlington | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 310,227 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 62 |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 54.17 |
| Safety index | 79.15 | 45.83 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Santa Ana's population is about 30% greater than Arlington.
- Santa Ana's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Arlington's score of 9.
- Santa Ana is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Arlington's 71 out of 100.
- Santa Ana has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Arlington, which has a score of 72.
- Santa Ana's crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 54.17 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
- Santa Ana is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 45.83 vs Arlington's 79.15.
- Air quality in Santa Ana is Moderate, and in Arlington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Arlington to Santa Ana move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Santa Ana without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Santa Ana
Ready to relocate to ? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to California, it's the perfect time to explore Santa Ana. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Santa Ana include museums and art centers like the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Santiago Park Nature, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Arlington to Santa Ana?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Arlington to Santa Ana. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Arlington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Santa Ana?
With many people choosing to move from Arlington to Santa Ana in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Arlington to Santa Ana take?
Covering 2,662 miles, the move from Arlington, VA to Santa Ana, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Arlington movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Santa Ana can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Arlington offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 7 movers provide military discounts. 14 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Arlington can handle specialty items for my move to Santa Ana?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Arlington, 57 movers can handle pianos. 44 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of VA, there are 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
