Best Detroit to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Detroit to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,314 mile move from Michigan to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 23 Detroit 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 Pure Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Detroit 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.

Best Detroit to Santa Ana Moving Companies
Rank | Company | Affordability Index | License | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG |
2 | Terry Moving & Storage | 9.37 | 9.2 | Authorized For HHG |
3 | Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc | 8.49 | 8.22 | Authorized For HHG |
4 | Balance Detroit | 8.48 | 7.79 | Authorized For Property, HHG |
5 | High Quality Moving Company | 8.24 | 8.5 | Authorized For Property, HHG |
How Much Does it Cost to Move from Detroit to Santa Ana?
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,314 miles from Detroit, MI to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $3,749 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Detroit to Santa Ana move is roughly $9,054. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,514 | 300 ft³ | $8.38 |
1 Bedroom | $3,749 | 450 ft³ | $8.33 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,211 | 750 ft³ | $8.28 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,054 | 1100 ft³ | $8.23 |
4 Bedrooms | $13,090 | 1600 ft³ | $8.18 |
5+ Bedrooms | $14,636 | 1800 ft³ | $8.13 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Ana to Detroit guide.
Compare the 5 Best Detroit to Santa Ana Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pure Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |

Terry Moving & Storage
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 649215 / 306297 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 11 |
Registered Drivers | 11 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 315,000 (2022) |
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
11850 E Jefferson
Detroit, MI, 48214
About Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc is a full-service moving and storage company based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1985, the...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Corporate moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 279708 / 629575 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 28,000 (2023) |
Balance Detroit
Livonia, MI, 48150
About Balance Detroit
Located in Detroit, Balance Detroit is a reputable moving company offering a variety of services including white glove service, long-distance and...
Services
- White Glove Service
- Long Distance Moves
- Small Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4059339 / 1539936 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,000 (2024) |

High Quality Moving Company
32401 W 8 Mile Rd
Livonia, MI, 48152
About High Quality Moving Company
High Quality Moving Company, based in Livonia, Michigan, has been serving the Detroit Metro Area since 2010. They offer a wide...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Local Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3435629 / 1178011 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 80,000 (2024) |

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.

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.
Detroit vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison
When moving from one city to another, finding a new neighborhood that feels like home is key. To help with your transition from Detroit, MI to Santa Ana, CA, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Detroit, MI & Santa Ana, CA . This guide will help you find areas in Santa Ana that share similar vibes, amenities, and cultures with your favorite Detroit neighborhoods.
Detroit | Santa Ana | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Midtown | Downtown Santa Ana | Vibrant arts and culture scene |
Corktown | French Park | Historic homes and community feel |
Indian Village | Floral Park | Beautiful historic homes and gardens |
East English Village | Park Santiago | Charming homes with a strong community vibe |
Palmer Woods | Washington Square | Upscale, with a sense of history |
Woodbridge | West Floral Park | Creative and eclectic community |
Rosedale Park | West Grove Valley | Family-friendly, with parks and schools |
Boston Edison | Heninger Park – Rich in history and close-knit community | Heninger Park – Rich in history and close-knit community |
Sherwood Forest | Morrison-Eldridge Par | Quiet, with luxurious homes |
Green Acres | Artesia Pilar | Diverse and active community |
Considering a move to Santa Ana from Detroit, you'll find neighborhoods like Downtown Santa Ana and French Park mirroring the vibrant arts scene and historic character of Midtown and Corktown, respectively. Downtown Santa Ana, much like Detroit's Midtown, is the heart of arts and culture, boasting galleries, theaters, and public art installations. For those charmed by the historic homes of Indian Village, Floral Park in Santa Ana offers a similar allure with its meticulously preserved houses and beautiful gardens. Meanwhile, communities such as West Floral Park and Park Santiago cater to those seeking a strong sense of community and eclectic neighborhood vibes, comparable to Woodbridge and East English Village in Detroit. Each of these Santa Ana neighborhoods provides unique qualities, from historic homes in French Park to the close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere of West Grove Valley, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect spot to call home.

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 Detroit to Santa Ana
Moving from one city to another offers a mix of changes, challenges, and new opportunities. This guide aims to present an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Detroit, MI to Santa Ana, CA, helping you weigh the pros and cons relevant to your circumstances. Through comparative charts, we'll explore differences in lifestyle, climate, cost of living, and more, ensuring you have all the information needed for this transition.
- Harsh winters
- Economic challenges
- Higher crime rates
- Limited public transit
- Milder winters
- More job opportunities
- Lower crime rates
- Better public transit options
- Higher cost of living
- Less historic feel
- More urban
- Less music heritage
- Lower living costs
- Rich cultural history
- Lush green spaces
- Vibrant music scene
While moving from Detroit to Santa Ana, you're trading harsh winters for milder winters, significantly enhancing outdoor activities year-round. Santa Ana welcomes you with several beautiful parks such as Santiago Park, compared to Detroit's bustling Riverside Park. Despite the higher cost of living, Santa Ana boasts a thriving job market, particularly in tech and services sectors, offering vibrant prospects for career growth. The transition may mean leaving behind Detroit's rich automotive heritage and vibrant music scene, but Santa Ana compensates with its diverse culinary scene, hosting unique eateries like 4th Street Market. This move is a journey towards new opportunities amidst the backdrop of Southern California's allure, with its sunny skies and welcoming community.
Detroit vs. Santa Ana Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Detroit, MI & Santa Ana, CA, showing how food is a vital aspect of local culture and living experience. Through this comparison, you can better understand the culinary landscape of your new city.
- American Coney Island
- Slows Bar BQ
- Buddy's Pizza
- Taquerias Guadalajara
- Playground
- Burrito San Roman
In moving from Detroit to Santa Ana, you're transitioning from the heart of Midwestern comfort food to the rich, vibrant flavors of Southern California. While Detroit prides itself on hearty dishes like Coney Dogs and Detroit-style Pizza, Santa Ana offers a fresh take with a focus on tacos, including many vegan options. You'll find that Santa Ana's food scene is thriving with an abundance of food trucks and health-conscious offerings. Notable spots like Taquerias Guadalajara not only exemplify the city's love for authentic Mexican cuisine but also highlight the local penchant for freshness and creativity in their culinary creations.
Detroit vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison
Making a move can be a life-changing experience, and finding places that feel like home is crucial for a smooth transition. Through this restaurant comparison from Detroit to Santa Ana, discover your next favorite dining spots, making the new city feel like home. Whether you’re craving upscale dining, casual eats, or iconic dishes, this guide will help you find the best equivalents in your new locale.
Detroit | Santa Ana | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Selden Standard | Playground | Similar quality and inventive dishes |
Slows Bar BQ | Heritage Barbecue | Expertly smoked meats |
Lafayette Coney Island | El Toro Bravo Market | A local favorite for comfort food |
Supino Pizzeria | Il Dolce Pizzeria | Authentic stone-oven pizza |
Rose's Fine Food | Breakfast Bar of California | Homely and comforting breakfast |
Grey Ghost Detroit | The Guild Club | Craft cocktails with premium ingredients |
Detroit Vegan Soul | Munchies Diner | Delicious and creative vegan options |
Antietam | Quiad | Elegant dining with a focus on presentation |
Taqueria El Rey | Taqueria Guadalajara | Authentic Mexican street food |
Maru Sushi & Grill | Sushi Roku | High-grade sushi with a modern twist |
Among the gems listed, Playground in Santa Ana stands out as a beacon for food enthusiasts who loved the creativity and quality of Selden Standard in Detroit. The commitment to inventive dishes and a dynamic menu at Playground mirrors the acclaimed offerings back in Detroit. For those who consider barbecue a serious cuisine, Heritage Barbecue will remind you of the heartwarming and expertly prepared meats similar to Slows Bar BQ. And when in need of a soul-comforting breakfast, the Breakfast Bar of California brings a sense of nostalgia for Rose's Fine Food with its homey dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere. No matter your dining preferences, transitioning from Detroit to Santa Ana doesn’t mean you have to leave your favorite flavors behind.

Ready to start your move?
Detroit vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly influences a move, necessitating a comparison of Detroit and Santa Ana to guide your decision. This comparison charts Detroit vs. Santa Ana real estate , focusing on factors like housing costs, architecture, and urban lifestyle to ensure you make an informed choice.
The disparity in housing costs between Detroit and Santa Ana is significant, with Santa Ana's median home price over ten times that of Detroit. The difference in median monthly rent is also notable. Santa Ana offers a more walkable and bike-friendly environment compared to Detroit, reflecting its urban lifestyle score. While Detroit's housing market highlights renovation potential and historic charm, Santa Ana's listings often boast proximity to beaches and modern amenities. These contrasts underscore the variation in living experiences, with Santa Ana providing a more upscale, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

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.
Detroit vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another requires a keen understanding of how daily life will change, especially when it comes to the weather. In this guide, we compare Detroit, MI and Santa Ana, CA's weather to give you a clear picture of what to expect. Knowing these differences will help you prepare for your new environment.
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Relocating from Detroit to Santa Ana means you'll enjoy warmer winters and more sunny days, greatly affecting outdoor activities and wardrobe choices. While both cities experience similar high temperatures in summer, Santa Ana's winter is markedly milder, enabling year-round outdoor enjoyment. However, be prepared for Santa Ana's higher UV index by adopting sun safety practices. Also, it's important to note the different types of natural disasters prevalent in each area, which may require adjustments in emergency preparedness. Lastly, while Detroit battles with snow, Santa Ana's dry climate presents significantly less annual rainfall but with persistent pollen-related allergies.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Detroit to Santa Ana
If you're moving, understanding the cost of living and financial implications between Detroit, MI, and Santa Ana, CA, is crucial. This comparison sheds light on what to expect in terms of finances, helping you plan effectively.
When moving from Detroit to Santa Ana, you'll face a significant rise in the cost of living, nearly double according to the index. Despite the higher state income tax in California, Santa Ana's average household income significantly surpasses that of Detroit, indicating a potentially higher standard of living. However, the burden of the cost includes higher sales taxes and a stark difference in property taxes. The industrial landscape changes too, with both cities emphasizing technology and healthcare, but Santa Ana benefiting from a stronger retail sector. While affluence is described as higher in Santa Ana, both cities face challenges with homelessness, making it an important societal issue no matter the cost of living.
Detroit vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison
This guide is designed to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot comparing the politics between Detroit, MI & Santa Ana, CA , along with the religious landscape, helping those moving to understand their new community better.
In both Detroit and Santa Ana, you'll find communities that tilt towards Democratic values, which might ease your political transition. However, local politics and issues can vary widely, offering unique challenges and opportunities. Detroit is known for its rich African-American history and its influence on the local religious and cultural landscape. In contrast, Santa Ana boasts a diverse population with a strong Hispanic influence, especially within its religious communities, where Catholicism plays a central role. Understanding these nuances can greatly enhance your integration and participation in your new locale.
Detroit vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from one city to another can dramatically change your daily commute and interactions with traffic. In this guide, we provide a comparison to help you better understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between Detroit & Santa Ana, ensuring your transition is as smooth as possible.
When preparing to move from Detroit to Santa Ana, understanding the nuances of daily commuting will be essential for a smooth transition. Detroit's average commute time is slightly less than Santa Ana's; however, traffic congestion is more pronounced in Santa Ana. Public transit in Santa Ana is more readily available, facilitating easier movement without a personal vehicle. This is due in part to Santa Ana's favorable weather and infrastructure, making biking, walking, or using public transit more viable options than in Detroit. Keep these differences in mind as they will influence your choice of where to live, work, and how you plan your daily commute in your new city.



Additional Resources
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