Best Mesa to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Mesa to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 377 mile move from Arizona to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 35 Mesa to Santa Ana moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Sterling Interstate LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Mesa compared to Santa Ana. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Mesa to Santa Ana Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Sterling Interstate LLC9.769.64Authorized For HHG
2Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
3Terry Moving & Storage9.379.2Authorized For HHG
4New Beginnings Moving Solutions9.339.4Authorized For Property
5Creative Moving and Packing, LLC9.319.18Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Mesa to Santa Ana?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 377 miles from Mesa, AZ to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $2,102 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Mesa to Santa Ana move is roughly $5,028. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,416300 ft³$4.72
1 Bedroom$2,102450 ft³$4.67
2 Bedrooms$3,466750 ft³$4.62
3 Bedrooms$5,0281100 ft³$4.57
4 Bedrooms$7,2331600 ft³$4.52
5+ Bedrooms$8,0471800 ft³$4.47
*Please note: These Arizona to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Arizona & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed AZ to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Ana to Mesa guide.

Compare the 5 Best Mesa to Santa Ana Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Sterling Interstate LLC Logo

Sterling Interstate LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.76/10
based on 2,064+ data points

Phoenix, AZ, 85022

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, customizable...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3006713 / 26956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 7,662+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 2,011+ data points

25958 Commercentre Dr

Lake Forest, CA, 92630

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 887+ data points

6757 W Charter Oak Rd

Peoria, AZ, 85381

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and has been...

Services

  • Long Distance Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3656946 / 1262843

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC Logo

Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.31/10
based on 3,672+ data points

4012 W Turney Ave

Phoenix, AZ, 85019

About Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

Since 2008, Creative Moving and Packing has served the Phoenix, AZ, area with high-quality local and long-distance relocation services. This company's...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long-Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1877603 / 1173916

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Mesa vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can be an adventure, especially when moving from one city to another. To ease this transition, why not start with what's familiar? This comparison between popular neighborhoods in Mesa, AZ & Santa Ana, CA aims to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by drawing parallels with the neighborhoods you know and love. Let's find your new local favorite in Santa Ana!

MesaSanta AnaHow They're Similar
Dobson RanchFloral ParkHistoric, family-friendly vibe
Las SendasPark SantiagoScenic, outdoor activities
Red Mountain RanchWashington SquareWelcoming, community-focused
MulberryWest Floral ParkQuaint, picturesque settings
Alta MesaHeninger ParkCultural, diverse community
EastmarkFrench ParkModern amenities, historical charm
Boulder MountainFisher ParkNatural beauty, hiking trails
Mountain BridgeRiverviewLively, modern conveniences
Leisure WorldMadison ParkQuiet, retirement-friendly
The GrovesWindsor VillageSerene, established community

For those moving from Mesa's Dobson Ranch, renowned for its family-oriented atmosphere, Santa Ana's Floral Park is a perfect match with its historic homes and welcoming environment. If you are fond of Las Sendas' scenic beauty and plentiful outdoor recreation, Park Santiago in Santa Ana offers lush green spaces and a plethora of activities that cater to nature enthusiasts. Residents of Red Mountain Ranch in Mesa, known for their strong sense of community, will find a similar spirit in Washington Square, where neighborhood events and an active association keep the community vibrant. On the other hand, those attracted to the quaint charm and picturesque settings of Mulberry might fall in love with West Floral Park, where tree-lined streets and period homes create a storybook setting. Whether you're exploring scenic trails, enjoying modern conveniences, or seeking a peaceful retirement community, these recommendations strive to make your transition from Mesa, AZ, to Santa Ana, CA, as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

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Things to Do in Santa Ana

  • Explore the Santa Ana Public Library
  • Visit Discovery Cube Orange County
  • Stroll through Santiago Park Nature
  • Enjoy art at Bowers Museum
  • Shop at 4th Street Market
  • See a show at The Yost Theater
  • Join a class at Downtown Santa Ana

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Mesa to Santa Ana

Moving homes is a significant decision, especially when it's between cities as distinct as Mesa, AZ, and Santa Ana, CA. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of moving from Mesa, AZ to Santa Ana, CA , highlighting the benefits and drawbacks to ensure you make an informed decision. Let's dive into the specifics.

CONs
PROs
Mesa, AZ iconMesa, AZ
  • Hotter summers
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Limited nightlife
  • Fewer job opportunities
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • More job opportunities
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller spaces
  • Less outdoor space
  • Busier neighborhoods
Mesa, AZ iconMesa, AZ
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious living
  • Abundant outdoor activities
  • Quieter neighborhoods

Moving from Mesa, AZ to Santa Ana, CA, brings you from the expansive desert landscapes to the bustling, culturally rich environment of Southern California. You'll exchange the intense, dry heat for a milder, more temperate climate, which can be a welcome change. Santa Ana greets you with a vibrant arts scene and diverse culinary offerings, such as the popular 4th Street Market, which is a foodie's haven. Outdoor enthusiasts moving from Mesa's widely available outdoor activities might find Santa Ana's urban setting more challenging, but places like Peters Canyon Regional Park offer some respite with trails and greenery within the city. While the cost of living and space might tighten, the trade-off is access to an enriched, diverse cultural experience, and greater job opportunities in the thriving Orange County.

Mesa vs. Santa Ana Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Mesa & Santa Ana to help you understand the food scene as you plan your move. Understanding local dining options is essential to feeling at home in a new city. Let’s dive into the culinary contrasts and delights that await you.

Mesa
Santa Ana
Most iconic local food item
Navajo Taco
Chili Relleno
Most popular meat dish
Smoked Brisket
Carne Asada
Most popular street food item
Elote
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Tacos
Vegan Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Restaurant 1
  • Restaurant 2
  • Restaurant 3
  • Restaurant A
  • Restaurant B
  • Restaurant C
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Mesa, the vibrant dining scene features a blend of traditional Southwestern flavors and innovative vegan options. The smoked brisket and Navajo Taco stand out as local favorites, available in spots like Downtown Mesa, offering a taste of regional cuisine. Santa Ana, known for its eclectic food scene, boasts a fantastic selection of food trucks and vegan eateries. Neighborhoods like the Historic District are hotspots for foodies, where you can savor the best Carne Asada and Vegan Pho the city has to offer. Santa Ana's higher score in foodie scene and abundance of food trucks reflects its dynamic culinary environment, promising an exciting gastronomic journey for new residents.

Mesa vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison

As you set your sights on transitioning from Mesa, AZ to Santa Ana, CA, understand that discovering local cuisine is pivotal in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Mesa and Santa Ana will help you find your new favorite eateries, offering a seamless transition into your new locale.

MesaSanta AnaWhat You'll Love
Bobby Q - MesaHeritage BarbecueSmoked meats with a California twist
Republica EmpanadaMil JugosAuthentic South American flavors
Worth TakeawayCraveSandwich cafe with handmade ingredients
Jin ShabuShabu Shabu BarPersonalized hot pot experience
Red White & BrewPlaygroundDiverse and upscale American fare
Green Corner RestaurantFalasophyModern take on Middle Eastern staples
Venezias New York Style PizzeriaNYC Cafe & CateringTrue East Coast pizza vibe
Organ Stop PizzaRance's Chicago PizzaUnique culinary experience with specialty pies
Nunthaporn's Thai CuisineSupatras ThaiAuthentic Thai with an artistic touch
Mangos Mexican CafeEl Mercado Modern CuisineInnovative Mexican dishes

While Mesa boasts a wide array of dining options, you will find Santa Ana's culinary scene just as diverse and exciting. For instance, the smoked meats and unique barbecue flavors you've loved at Bobby Q - Mesa can be reminisced at Heritage Barbecue with its California twist on traditional smoking methods. Craving the home-style South American empanadas from Republica Empanada? Mil Jugos in Santa Ana offers a vibrant taste of authentic South American cuisine that is sure to hit the spot. For those special pizza nights, Venezias New York Style Pizzeria enthusiasts will find solace in NYC Cafe & Catering, where the pizza carries that unmistakable East Coast authenticity. Your culinary adventure in Santa Ana is just beginning, and it promises flavors that resonate with memories of Mesa while introducing you to new gastronomic delights.

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Ready to start your move?

Mesa vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is pivotal when considering a relocation. Understanding how Mesa, AZ, and Santa Ana, CA, match up can illuminate potential living experiences. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in housing, from costs to lifestyle, between Mesa and Santa Ana.

Mesa
Santa Ana
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch
Spanish Colonial
Walkability
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Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious yards, Garage parking
Close to amenities, Historic character

The housing market between Mesa, AZ, and Santa Ana, CA, shows notable differences, especially in terms of costs and lifestyles. Mesa's typically lower housing costs make it an attractive option for those seeking more space for their dollar, commonly featuring homes with spacious yards and garage parking. In contrast, Santa Ana boasts a higher urban lifestyle score, attributed to its better walkability and proximity to amenities, often highlighting properties with historic characters or situated close to vibrant downtown areas. This vibrancy and convenience come with a higher cost of living, as seen in both the median home price and rent. These differences underscore the varied lifestyles between the two cities, catering to different preferences and priorities for potential movers.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Santa Ana, CA

1. Floral Park : You’ll love the tree-lined streets and ample green space, as well as the welcoming atmosphere for dog walkers and pet owners.

2. South Coast Metro : This neighborhood offers numerous parks and pet-friendly trails, making it easy for you and your furry friend to enjoy the outdoors together.

3. Riverview West : You'll find a community of pet enthusiasts here, with convenient access to pet amenities and a supportive environment for your four-legged companions.

Mesa vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Mesa, AZ to Santa Ana, CA, understanding the weather differences is crucial. Comparing climate characteristics helps to prepare for changes you will experience. This guide highlights weather comparisons between Mesa and Santa Ana, covering aspects like temperature, sunshine, and more to ease your transition.

Mesa
Santa Ana
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Heatwaves, Dust Storms
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

104°F / 76°F
83°F / 64°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

67°F / 46°F
70°F / 47°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

9
13
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0


When moving from Mesa to Santa Ana, you'll notice several key differences in weather conditions. Mesa's summers are much hotter with a significant drop in humidity compared to Santa Ana, which has a milder climate with higher humidity levels year-round. While both cities enjoy plenty of sunshine, Santa Ana offers a more temperate environment, leading to different considerations for outdoor activities and personal comfort. Air quality generally tends to be better in Santa Ana, likely contributing to the different allergens you might encounter. Understanding these variations can help you prepare better for your new home environment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Mesa to Santa Ana

When contemplating a move from Mesa, AZ to Santa Ana, CA, it's vital to grasp how your expenses and financial landscape might shift. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in cost of living, income, and taxes between Mesa and Santa Ana, helping you make an informed decision on your relocation.

Mesa
Santa Ana
Avg. Household Income
$69,266
$80,265
Cost of Living Index
101.2
136.4
State Income Tax
4.50%
9.3%
Avg. Property Tax
0.62%
0.72%
Avg. Sales Tax
8.6%
7.75%
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Education, Aerospace
Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare
Affluence
Moderate
Higher
Poverty
Notable
Lesser
Homelessness
Concerning
Significant

Understanding the financial aspects of Mesa, AZ compared to Santa Ana, CA can give you a clearer picture of what to expect when you move. While Santa Ana boasts a higher average household income, it also has a higher cost of living index, indicating that your income may not stretch as far as you're used to in Mesa. Moreover, California's state income tax is significantly higher than Arizona's, which could impact your take-home pay. However, Santa Ana's prominence in the manufacturing, retail, and healthcare industries could offer diverse job opportunities compared to Mesa's healthcare, education, and aerospace sectors. Considering these financial and economic differences will be crucial in planning your move and ensuring your financial stability in your new home city.

Mesa vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Mesa, AZ to Santa Ana, CA, it's crucial to understand the communities you're transitioning between. This quick overview offers a comparison of the politics and religious atmosphere between Mesa & Santa Ana , providing a snapshot of what to expect in each city in terms of political and religious makeup.

Mesa
Santa Ana
Political Make-up
Lean Conservative
Lean Liberal
Local Politics
Local government and policies tend to reflect a more conservative stance
Local government and policies are generally more liberal, focusing on progressive initiatives
Religion
Significant LDS Church presence, with several Mormon temples
Diverse religious landscape, with a stronger presence of Catholic Churches as well as other denominations

Your move from Mesa to Santa Ana will immerse you in distinctly different cultural atmospheres. The political climate in Mesa leans conservative, which is reflected in its local policies and community activities. This is somewhat contrasted by Santa Ana, where a liberal leaning can be felt in its vibrant, diverse community initiatives and policies supportive of progressive values. In terms of religion, Mesa's significant LDS Church presence marks a contrast to Santa Ana's diverse religious landscape. Here, you'll find a variety of churches and places of worship that cater to a range of beliefs, with Catholicism being particularly prominent. This snapshot gives you an idea of the community dynamics you'll be stepping into, allowing for a smoother transition.

Mesa vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Mesa, AZ to Santa Ana, CA entails more than just a change of scenery—it's also about adapting to a different daily commute and traffic conditions. To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between Mesa & Santa Ana , we’ve compared both cities on key aspects to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible.

Mesa
Santa Ana
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
25
23
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
4 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
No
Challenging

Moving from Mesa to Santa Ana, you'll notice the average commute time is slightly less in Santa Ana, despite it having somewhat heavier traffic congestion. This reflects the more compact nature of Santa Ana, where destinations may be closer together. Interestingly, while Mesa's public transit options are less robust, making a car almost a necessity, living in Santa Ana without a car, though challenging, is more feasible thanks to better public transportation infrastructure. Still, having a vehicle can significantly enhance your mobility and convenience in either city.

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