Best Santa Ana to Houston Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Santa Ana to Houston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,575 mile move from California to Texas go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 32 Santa Ana to Houston 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 Pure Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Santa Ana compared to Houston. 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 Houston Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
2Terry Moving & Storage9.379.2Authorized For HHG
3CC Relocation, Inc.9.149.66Authorized For Property, HHG
4Pinpoint Movers8.779.23Authorized For HHG
5Right Rate Movers of Houston8.688.59Active
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,575 miles from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX will cost on average $3,121 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Santa Ana to Houston move is roughly $7,518. 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$2,095300 ft³$6.98
1 Bedroom$3,121450 ft³$6.93
2 Bedrooms$5,163750 ft³$6.88
3 Bedrooms$7,5181100 ft³$6.83
4 Bedrooms$10,8551600 ft³$6.78
5+ Bedrooms$12,1221800 ft³$6.73
*Please note: These California to Texas moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Texas. 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 TX mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Houston to Santa Ana guide.

Compare the 5 Best Santa Ana to Houston Movers

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

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
1
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
2
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
3
Pinpoint Movers Logo

Pinpoint Movers

Superb8.77/10
based on 2,169+ data points

7100 Regency Square Blvd Suite 199

Houston, TX, 77036

About Pinpoint Movers

Pinpoint Movers is a women-owned and family-operated moving company located in Houston, Texas that is licensed and insured to handle all...

Services

  • Homepage:
  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3070055 / 944442

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Right Rate Movers of Houston Logo

Right Rate Movers of Houston

Fabulous8.68/10
based on 3,455+ data points

2925 Richmond Ave

Houston, TX, 77098

About Right Rate Movers of Houston

Right Rate Movers of Houston is a trusted and reliable moving company recognized as an industry leader in terms of affordability...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Labor Only
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2200927 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
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. Houston Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be a daunting task, especially when relocating to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we compare popular neighborhoods in Santa Ana, CA & Houston, TX to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings using what you already know as a baseline. This guide is crafted to match the vibe and lifestyle you're accustomed to, making your move a little smoother.

Santa AnaHoustonHow They're Similar
Downtown Santa AnaMidtown HoustonDiverse, vibrant nightlife and arts scene
Floral ParkMontrose HoustonEclectic, historic homes and artistic community
West Floral ParkHeights HoustonFamily-friendly, historic architecture
Fisher ParkRiver Oaks HoustonUpscale, luxurious homes and shopping
French ParkMuseum District HoustonRich in culture and history, near parks
Heninger ParkEast Downtown (EaDo) HoustonEmerging, artistic and residential blend
Washington SquareRice Military HoustonYoung professional scene, proximity to nightlife
WillardWest University HoustonFamily-oriented, academic community
LoganSpring Branch HoustonDiverse community, growing economic development
Casa BonitaClear Lake HoustonNear water, family-friendly, high-tech industry

If you find yourself drawn to the vibrant arts scene and eclectic restaurants of Downtown Santa Ana, you'll likely feel at home in Midtown Houston, where places like 13 Celsius offer a uniquely curated wine experience, mirroring the cultural richness of Santa Ana. Similarly, floral and lush neighborhood lovers from Floral Park will appreciate Montrose's historic homes and the presence of venues like The Menil Collection, which adds a touch of artistic splendor. On the other hand, if the classic architecture and serene streets of Fisher Park endeared you, the luxurious and tranquil ambiance of River Oaks, with its upscale boutiques like Tootsies, would be a seamless transition, showcasing the continuity of refined living between these two great cities.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Santa Ana to Houston

Moving between cities often comes with a mix of excitement and apprehension. This guide aims to provide a balanced view by examining both the positive and negative aspects of relocating from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX . By comparing the cons against the pros and vice versa, we hope to offer an honest reflection of what to expect during this transition.

CONs
PROs
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less job opportunities
  • Traffic congestion
  • Smaller homes
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Lower cost of living
  • More job opportunities
  • Better traffic situations
  • Larger homes for less
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Different cultural vibe
  • No beach access
  • Different culinary scene
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Mild winters
  • Diverse culture
  • Beach access
  • Renowned eateries

While the move from Santa Ana to Houston comes with its own set of challenges, such as trading the mild winters for the hot and humid summers of Houston, there are also numerous opportunities and lifestyle benefits waiting for you. Houston's vast culinary scene, for example, is a melting pot of international cuisines with standout spots like Hugo's for authentic Mexican dishes and Urban Harvest Farmers Market for local, fresh produce. Meanwhile, the cost of living advantage means you can enjoy larger living spaces, which offers a great opportunity to explore vibrant neighborhoods like The Heights or Montrose, known for their unique boutiques, quaint coffee shops, and sprawling parks such as Buffalo Bayou Park. Whether it's the job opportunities, the diverse cultural experiences, or simply more house for your money, Houston offers a dynamic environment for those willing to embrace the change.

Santa Ana vs. Houston Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Santa Ana & Houston, highlighting how food reflects the local culture and what life is like in these cities. This insight will help you feel more prepared for your move, knowing what culinary delights await you.

Santa Ana
Houston
Most iconic local food item
Tacos
Barbecue Brisket
Most popular meat dish
Carne Asada
Texas BBQ Ribs
Most popular street food item
Elote
Tacos al Pastor
Most popular vegan food
Vegetarian Tamales
Vegan Tex-Mex
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Birrieria Zaragoza
  • Taquerias Guadalajara
  • Crave
  • Killen's Barbecue
  • The Original Ninfa's on Navigation
  • Uchi
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Houston, your culinary adventure will be vast, reflecting the city's diverse cultural fabric. The iconic Texas BBQ ribs can be found in many restaurants throughout the city, but Killen's Barbecue in Pearland stands out for its dedication to tradition and flavor. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation epitomizes Houston's Mexican food scene with its claim to fame, the fajitas. If you're seeking a change from the meat-heavy options, Houston's vegan scene, including Vegan Tex-Mex options, has been expanding rapidly. Neighborhoods like Montrose and the Heights have become hubs for foodies, offering a range of dining experiences that cater to all preferences. Whether you're strolling through a bustling food truck park or sitting down at an acclaimed restaurant, Houston's culinary landscape is as intriguing as it is delicious.

Santa Ana vs. Houston Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a vital part in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison is designed to help you find comparable dining experiences in Houston, similar to your favorites in Santa Ana , ensuring a smoother culinary transition. By comparing top eateries, you're just steps away from discovering your new go-to spots.

Santa AnaHoustonWhat You'll Love
PlaygroundUB PreservInnovative and playful cuisine
Burritos La PalmaTaqueria Del SolKnown for burritos and authentic Mexican food
Hopper & BurrBlacksmithQuality coffee and a similar indie vibe
Taqueria ZamoraHugo'sAuthentic, upscale Mexican dining
FalasophyFadi's Mediterranean GrillFresh, fast-casual Mediterranean
CraveThe Breakfast KlubIconic breakfast and comfort food spot
Mix Mix Kitchen BarPondicheriInnovative fusion cuisine with a casual ambiance
Chapter One: the modern localAnvil Bar & RefugeSimilar modern, craft cocktail experience
Shabu Shabu BarShabu ZoneA go-to for shabu shabu with a varied selection
4th Street MarketPhoenicia Specialty FoodsMarketplace with diverse food options

When the craving for an authentic Mexican meal hits, you won't miss Taqueria Zamora because Houston's Hugo's serves up dishes made with the same level of dedication to authenticity and flavor. Those looking for a unique coffee experience similar to Hopper & Burr will find solace in Blacksmith's high-quality brews and indie atmosphere. And, for the early risers who've come to count on Crave for their breakfast fix, The Breakfast Klub in Houston offers iconic comfort dishes that will easily become part of your morning routine. These comparisons don't just highlight similarities in the type of food but also in the dining experiences, ensuring that your transition to Houston is as seamless as possible.

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Santa Ana vs. Houston Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal aspect of relocating, particularly when comparing such distinct locales as Santa Ana, CA and Houston, TX. Understanding the nuances in housing can significantly impact your moving experience.

Santa Ana
Houston
Typical Architecture Style
Spanish Colonial
Modern and Traditional
Walkability
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Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Nearby parks, schools
Spacious backyards, pools

When delving into the housing specifics, the contrast between Santa Ana and Houston becomes more apparent. Santa Ana presents a higher median home price and rent, reflective of California's overall real estate market. However, you'll find its Spanish Colonial houses unique, adding a historical charm not as prevalent in Houston's more varied architectural styles. The walkability and bikeability in Santa Ana also suggest a slightly more active lifestyle compared to Houston, though both cities offer distinct urban experiences. Especially noteworthy in Houston are real estate listings highlighting spacious backyards and pools, catering to those who cherish outdoor leisure at home.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Houston, TX

1. Montrose : You'll love Montrose for its abundance of parks and pet-friendly cafes where you can relax with your furry friend.

2. The Heights : In The Heights, you can enjoy numerous walking trails and dog parks, making it a paradise for you and your pets.

3. Midtown : Midtown offers numerous pet-friendly accommodations and lively parks that ensure your pets are always entertained.

Santa Ana vs. Houston Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Santa Ana, CA to Houston, TX, it is crucial to understand the differences in weather you will encounter. Comparing the climates will help you prepare for your new environment. This guide includes a chart detailing the weather differences between Santa Ana and Houston, ensuring you know what to expect throughout the year.

Santa Ana
Houston
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Hurricanes, Flooding
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

83°F / 64°F
94°F / 75°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

70°F / 47°F
62°F / 43°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

14
50
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0


While Santa Ana enjoys a mild, dry climate with plenty of sunshine, Houston's weather is markedly more humid with a higher chance of rainfall. This humidity contributes to a greater annual UV Index, meaning more intense sun exposure in Houston. Natural disaster risks also shift dramatically, from earthquakes and wildfires in Santa Ana to hurricanes and flooding in Houston. These factors, along with differences in air quality and allergens, are important considerations as you prepare for your move to Houston.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your finances will be affected by the change. This comparison aims to highlight the key monetary differences you'll encounter when moving from Santa Ana to Houston, covering various aspects such as income, taxes, and the overall cost of living. Such insights can significantly aid in budget planning and setting realistic expectations for your new life.

Santa Ana
Houston
Avg. Household Income
$80,265
$55,499
Cost of Living Index
136.4
92.2
State Income Tax
13.3
0
Avg. Property Tax
0.72
2.09
Avg. Sales Tax
9.25
8.25
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Retail, Education
Energy, Manufacturing, Aeronautics
Affluence
Moderate
Varied
Poverty
Noticeable
Significant
Homelessness
Concerning
Widespread

In comparing Santa Ana and Houston, it becomes evident that there are notable differences in the financial landscape of each city. While the average household income is higher in Santa Ana, the absence of state income tax in Houston offers a unique advantage, potentially balancing the lower average income there. However, the cost of living in Santa Ana significantly outweighs that of Houston, making everyday expenses more manageable in the Texas city. Additionally, Houston's diverse economy, spearheaded by energy, manufacturing, and aeronautics, provides a range of job opportunities that may appeal to individuals moving there, especially those interested in these fields.

Santa Ana vs. Houston Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Santa Ana, CA, to Houston, TX, understanding the local scene is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Santa Ana & Houston . Gaining insight into these aspects can help you acclimate to your new home.

Santa Ana
Houston
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Mixed, with a Democratic lean in urban areas
Local Politics
Progressive on local issues
Diverse, varies by district
Religion
Primarily Christian, with a significant Catholic presence
Diverse, with a strong evangelical Christian presence alongside other faiths

Moving from Santa Ana to Houston, you'll find that both cities share a lean towards Democratic values, especially in their urban cores, but Houston presents a more complex political landscape due to its larger size and diverse population. Local politics in Santa Ana tend to be progressive, reflecting California's overall political climate. In contrast, Houston's local politics can vary significantly by district, reflecting the city's diverse population. Religion plays a significant role in both cities, with a substantial Christian presence. However, Houston's religious scene is more varied, hosting a large evangelical Christian community alongside other major religions, reflecting its status as a melting pot of cultures and beliefs.

Santa Ana vs. Houston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can bring significant changes to your daily commute and traffic experiences. This guide aims to compare the traffic and transportation options between Santa Ana & Houston, helping you to better understand what to expect as you make your transition.

Santa Ana
Houston
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
25
30
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
8 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
5 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
Difficult

When considering the move from Santa Ana to Houston, it's essential to note that both cities are car-dependent, but Houston's slightly higher traffic congestion indicates more time spent in transit. Santa Ana offers a somewhat better public transit system, scoring a 6 out of 10, making getting around slightly easier without a car compared to Houston. However, in both cities, owning a car is highly advisable for convenience and accessibility to all areas. Adaptation to Houston's commute might require planning for longer travel times and exploring less congested routes.

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