Quick answer: A typical 1,168-mile move from Seattle to Santa Ana runs $995–$8,554 and takes two to eight days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Santa Ana to Seattle guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Seattle to Santa Ana
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Seattle to Santa Ana isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your WA to CA move
The best local movers servicing Seattle to Santa Ana moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Seattle that offers long-distance services to Santa Ana can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Seattle who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Seattle to Santa Ana.
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Seattle Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Access Gentle Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3227005
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3227005
Alternate Names: GS Moving Services LLC, Eco-Movers, The Big Guys, The Big Guys Home Delivery, Eco Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1782
Years in Business: 134
DOT #: 8257
Alternate Names: Peasley Transfer & Storage, Hansen Bros Moving and Storage, Peasley Transfer and Storage, Hansen Bros Transfer and Storage Co, PortaBox Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: HG063388
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1731101
Alternate Names: Express Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 41220
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 1370158
Alternate Names: Access Gentle Moving Corp
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: HG060620
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company (West) LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Seattle to Santa Ana?
Seattle movers charge $141 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,714 - $7,048 | $1,060 - $2,835 | $939 - $1,717 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,779 - $8,554 | $1,998 - $3,765 | $995 - $2,147 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,552 - $12,193 | $2,569 - $5,293 | $1,237 - $2,642 |
Cost to hire movers from Washington to California
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Washington to California typically costs between $1,714 and $7,048. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,779 and $8,554 when moving from WA to CA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Washington to California, you're looking at costs ranging from $6,552 up to $12,193.
Cost of moving containers from Washington to California
When you're heading from Washington to California, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,060 and $2,835. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,998 and $3,765. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,569 to $5,293. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Washington easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $939 and $1,717 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $995 to $2,147. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,237 to $2,642.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors that influence moving costs from Seattle to Santa Ana
What to know before moving from Seattle to Santa Ana
Moving from Seattle to Santa Ana comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Santa Ana is generally more expensive than Seattle, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Seattle | Santa Ana | |
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Average rent cost | $1,975 | $2,650 |
Average home value | $842,068 | $843,858 |
Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $77,283 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,740 | $6,333 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,801 | $11,160 |
Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 7.0% |
Sales tax | 10.35% | 9.25% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Santa Ana, since prices are typically 34% higher than in Seattle.
- Home prices are the same in Santa Ana and Seattle.
- Income is the same in Santa Ana and Seattle.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Santa Ana, since the cost of living for a single person in Santa Ana is 69.3% higher than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Santa Ana, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Santa Ana is 13.9% higher than in Seattle.
- The unemployment rate in Santa Ana is 45.83% higher than in Seattle.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Santa Ana, since the city's sales taxes in Santa Ana are 10.63% lower than in Seattle.
- State income taxes in Santa Ana are 13.30% higher than in Seattle.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,079.95 in Santa Ana to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Santa Ana
Santa Ana | Seattle | |
---|---|---|
Population | 310,227 | 737,015 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 8 |
Walkability score | 67 | 74 |
Bike friendliness score | 62 | 71 |
Crime Index | 54.17 | 58.88 |
Safety Index | 45.83 | 49.23 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Santa Ana's population is about 58% less than Seattle.
- Santa Ana's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Seattle's higher score of 8.
- Santa Ana is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
- Santa Ana has a bike-friendliness score 62 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
- Santa Ana's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 54.17 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
- Santa Ana and Seattle are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Santa Ana is moderate, and in Seattle it's good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle vs. Santa Ana move
- Weather: Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.
- 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: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting 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: 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: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
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
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Santa Ana is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Santa Ana is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, Heritage Museum of Orange County, and Orange County Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Santiago Park Nature — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- 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), or Santa Ana United (Soccer Team) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Santa Ana?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Seattle to Santa Ana. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Santa Ana?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Seattle 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 Seattle to Santa Ana take?
Covering 1,168 miles, the move from Seattle, WA to Santa Ana, CA typically takes two to eight days. Some Seattle movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Santa Ana can help bridge the gap.