Best Santa Ana to Phoenix Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 360 mile move from California to Arizona go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 34 Santa Ana to Phoenix 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 Santa Ana compared to Phoenix. 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 Santa Ana to Phoenix 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
5CC Relocation, Inc.9.149.66Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 360 miles from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ will cost on average $2,087 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Santa Ana to Phoenix move is roughly $4,992. 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$1,407300 ft³$4.69
1 Bedroom$2,087450 ft³$4.64
2 Bedrooms$3,441750 ft³$4.59
3 Bedrooms$4,9921100 ft³$4.54
4 Bedrooms$7,1821600 ft³$4.49
5+ Bedrooms$7,9891800 ft³$4.44
*Please note: These California to Arizona moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Arizona. 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 CA to AZ mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Phoenix to Santa Ana guide.

Compare the 5 Best Santa Ana to Phoenix 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
CC Relocation, Inc. Logo

CC Relocation, Inc.

Exceptional9.14/10
based on 1,209+ data points

12471 Barrett Ln

Santa Ana, CA, 92705

About CC Relocation, Inc.

Website Information: CC Relocation, Inc., situated in California, has been providing efficient and reliable moving services for over 30 years. This...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3020624 / 34161

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved70,000 (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.

Santa Ana vs. Phoenix Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be a challenge, especially when you're unfamiliar with the new location. To help you get acquainted with Phoenix, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Santa Ana, CA & Phoenix, AZ. This guide will use your knowledge of Santa Ana's popular neighborhoods to highlight the most similar areas in Phoenix.

Santa AnaPhoenixHow They're Similar
Floral ParkArcadiaUpscale, historic homes
West Floral ParkNorth CentralLush, suburban feel
Park SantiagoEncanto-PalmcroftHistoric homes, tree-lined streets
Santa Ana TriangleRooseveltDiverse community, urban vibe
French Park Historic DistrictWillo Historic DistrictVintage charm, cultural significance
EastsideCoronadoArtistic community, bungalow homes
Meredith ParkwoodMoon ValleyFamily-friendly, good schools
South Coast MetroBiltmore AreaShopping, commercial hub
LacyMelrose DistrictTrendy, vibrant nightlife
Downtown Santa AnaDowntown PhoenixCultural, entertainment center

If you appreciate the upscale, historic homes of Floral Park, you'll find a similar charm in Arcadia, Phoenix, with its mix of classic architecture and upscale amenities. For those who enjoy the lush, suburban feel of West Floral Park, North Central Phoenix offers a similar environment with beautiful, tree-lined streets and family-friendly parks. The vibrant, artistic community of Santa Ana's Eastside finds a counterpart in Phoenix's Coronado neighborhood, renowned for its bungalow homes and creative vibe. Lastly, Downtown Santa Ana's cultural and entertainment hub matches well with Downtown Phoenix, where arts, music, and dining experiences abound.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix

Considering a move from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ? This comparison will give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Santa Ana to Phoenix , so you can make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • High Cost of Living
  • Traffic Congestion
  • Cooler Climate
  • Smaller Housing Options
  • Coastal Fog
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Lower Cost of Living
  • Better Traffic Flow
  • Sunshine Year-Round
  • Spacious Housing
  • Clear Skies
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • No Beach Access
  • Extreme Heat
  • Less Diversity
  • Developing Infrastructure
  • Varied School Quality
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Beach Proximity
  • Mild Summers
  • Diverse Culture
  • Well-Established Amenities
  • Award-Winning Schools

Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. While Phoenix offers a lower cost of living and better traffic conditions, you might miss Santa Ana's coastal attractions and mild summers. Phoenix boasts sunshine year-round, great for outdoor enthusiasts who can enjoy spots like South Mountain Park. However, the extreme heat can be a drawback. On the upside, you'll find spacious housing in neighborhoods such as Arcadia with clear skies and no coastal fog to contend with. While Santa Ana's cultural diversity and proximity to the beach are definite pluses, Phoenix is rapidly developing its own vibrant community, with numerous restaurants and sights to explore.

Santa Ana vs. Phoenix Food Guide

Food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. We'll compare the local cuisine between Santa Ana and Phoenix so you can be better informed about the food scene where you are moving to.

Santa Ana
Phoenix
Most iconic local food item
Street Tacos
Margaritas
Most popular meat dish
Carne Asada
Barbecue Brisket
Most popular street food item
Tamales
Sonoran Hot Dog
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Burrito
Acai Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • La Vida Cantina
  • Chapter One: the modern local
  • Crave
  • Clever Koi
  • Phoenix City Grille
  • Pizzeria Bianco
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving to Phoenix, you'll find a thriving food scene that includes delicacies like the Sonoran Hot Dog, primarily found in neighborhoods like Downtown and Roosevelt Row. Restaurants such as Clever Koi and Phoenix City Grille offer iconic local flavors. Phoenix is also known for its health-conscious food scene, with plenty of vegan options like Acai Bowls readily available at eateries throughout the city. If food trucks excite you, you won't be disappointed either; Phoenix boasts a diverse selection of mobile culinary delights.

Santa Ana vs. Phoenix Restaurant Comparison

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just someone who appreciates a good meal, exploring new eateries is crucial when settling into a new city. This comparison guide aims to help you find your new favorite restaurants by using your current experiences in Santa Ana and matching them with similar places to love in Phoenix .

Santa AnaPhoenixWhat You'll Love
Taco MaríaBarrio QueenHigh-end Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist
PlaygroundThe VigInnovative gastropub fare with a laid-back vibe
4th Street MarketThe YardA collection of food stands with diverse options
BenchmarkThe Little WoodyCozy pub environment with a vast beer selection
Mix Mix Kitchen BarKaiFusion dining with a strong emphasis on local flavors
Golden Road BrewingWren House BrewingEclectic brewery with unique beer flavors
El Mercado Modern CuisineCRUjiente TacosModern Mexican dishes with inventive twists
Aki SushiHana Haru SushiFresh and innovative sushi creations
MOD PizzaFired PieCustom, fast-casual pizzas made to order
Crave RestaurantCafe PinoEclectic menu blending casual and gourmet offerings

Taco María sets a high bar for Mexican-inspired fine dining, a standard matched by Barrio Queen, where you'll revel in contemporary and upscale Mexican dishes. If you crave a relaxed atmosphere with innovative eats akin to what you'd find at Playground, The Vig in Phoenix offers a similar gastropub experience. For those who enjoy the variety and vibrancy of 4th Street Market, The Yard presents an eclectic array of food stalls, ideal for diverse palates. Meanwhile, fans of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar will appreciate the unique local ingredient focus found at Kai. This transition means you'll never be far from an exciting and comforting dining experience.

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Santa Ana vs. Phoenix Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's important to know
how the housing markets of Santa Ana and Phoenix compare in terms of cost,
architecture, walkability, and lifestyle.

Santa Ana
Phoenix
Typical Architecture Style
Spanish Colonial
Ranch Style
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Close to downtown, historic charm
Pool, spacious yards

In terms of housing costs, you'll find that homes and rent are more affordable in Phoenix compared to Santa Ana. Architecture in Phoenix leans towards the ranch style , whereas Santa Ana is known for its Spanish Colonial buildings. While Santa Ana boasts a high walkability score, making everyday errands much easier without a car, Phoenix offers better bikeability and large, spacious yards, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Each city offers a unique living experience, so it's important to weigh these aspects based on your personal preferences and daily lifestyle.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ

1. Arcadia: You’ll find expansive parks and walking trails perfect for your pets to explore in Arcadia.

2. Paradise Valley: Paradise Valley offers a serene and spacious environment with numerous pet-friendly amenities and green spaces.

3. Roosevelt Row: This vibrant arts district not only welcomes pets but also hosts various pet-friendly events and has easy access to outdoor areas.

Santa Ana vs. Phoenix Weather Considerations

If you're moving from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ, it's important to understand how the weather will compare to what you are used to. This comparison will help you prepare for the changes and make your transition smoother by illuminating the differences in temperature, air quality, and other significant weather factors.

Santa Ana
Phoenix
Days of Sunshine per Year
278
300+
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes
Heatwaves
Air Quality
Moderate
Moderate to Unhealthy
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

83/63
106/81
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

68/45
68/45


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

13.5
8.2
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0


When moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix, you'll notice significantly hotter summers in Phoenix, with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, which is more than Santa Ana. However, the air in Phoenix is much drier, with an average humidity of 36% compared to Santa Ana's 60%. Additionally, while Santa Ana primarily faces the risk of earthquakes, Phoenix is more prone to extreme heat waves. Adjusting to these changes will be crucial for your comfort and well-being in your new home.

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

When you are moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix , understanding the differences in cost of living is crucial. This comparison will help you get a clearer picture of how your finances might be affected by the move from Santa Ana to Phoenix , covering key financial aspects in both cities.

Santa Ana
Phoenix
Avg. Household Income
$80,265
$68,435
Cost of Living Index
136.4
100.7
State Income Tax
1% - 13.3%
2.59% - 4.5%
Avg. Property Tax
0.73%
0.66%
Avg. Sales Tax
7.75%
8.6%
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing
Healthcare, Retail, Real Estate
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate
Poverty
Present
Present
Homelessness
Noticeable
Noticeable

When moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix, you will find differences in state taxes and the cost of living index. Arizona's state tax ranges from 2.59% to 4.5%, which is generally lower compared to California’s higher tax range of 1% to 13.3%. Additionally, the cost of living index is significantly lower in Phoenix at 103.7 versus Santa Ana's 146.8, translating to cheaper living expenses overall. However, one notable difference is that the average sales tax is higher in Phoenix, standing at 8.6% compared to Santa Ana’s 7.75%. This can affect your day-to-day shopping and spending. Additionally, the average household income in Santa Ana is higher than that in Phoenix, which could influence your budget planning and savings. Both cities share similar economic characteristics, such as being moderate in affluence and having noticeable homelessness, indicating comparable social challenges in both environments.

Santa Ana vs. Phoenix Political & Religious Comparison

This section provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, particularly comparing the politics between Santa Ana & Phoenix . This comparison aims to help you better understand the communities you’re moving between, ensuring a smoother transition.

Santa Ana
Phoenix
Political Make-up
Democratic leaning
Republican leaning
Local Politics
City-focused, Progressive policies
Metropolitan-focused, Conservative policies
Religion
Predominantly Catholic
Diverse, including Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical

When moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix, you will notice a distinct shift in political makeup, with Santa Ana leaning more Democratic and Phoenix more Republican. Additionally, Santa Ana's local politics often emphasize progressive policies focused on city issues, as seen in various city-level initiatives. On the other hand, Phoenix, with its metropolitan focus, tends to lean towards conservative policies, addressing broader regional concerns. In terms of religion, Santa Ana is predominantly Catholic, whereas Phoenix offers a more diverse religious landscape that includes Catholicism, Protestantism, and Evangelical Christianity, reflecting its larger and more varied population.

Santa Ana vs. Phoenix Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like, this is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Santa Ana & Phoenix.

Santa Ana
Phoenix
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
26
25
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
5 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
8 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possibly
More Likely

In Santa Ana, traffic congestion can be moderately challenging, with a score of 7 out of 10. However, the availability of public transit, scoring 6 out of 10, means you have some alternatives to driving. Phoenix, on the other hand, offers better public transit options with an 8 out of 10 score, and its traffic congestion is lower at 5 out of 10. This makes Phoenix a more car-optional city compared to Santa Ana. Whether you're considering commuting by car or alternative means, Phoenix provides more flexibility and potentially less daily stress.

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