Best Detroit to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide

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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.

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Best Detroit to Santa Ana Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
2Terry Moving & Storage9.379.2Authorized For HHG
3Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc8.498.22Authorized For HHG
4Balance Detroit8.487.79Authorized For Property, HHG
5High Quality Moving Company8.248.5Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,514300 ft³$8.38
1 Bedroom$3,749450 ft³$8.33
2 Bedrooms$6,211750 ft³$8.28
3 Bedrooms$9,0541100 ft³$8.23
4 Bedrooms$13,0901600 ft³$8.18
5+ Bedrooms$14,6361800 ft³$8.13
*Please note: These Michigan to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Michigan & 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 MI to CA mover.
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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 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
G

Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc

Fabulous8.49/10
based on 337+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

279708 / 629575

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved28,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
B

Balance Detroit

Fabulous8.48/10
based on 63+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4059339 / 1539936

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved6,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
High Quality Moving Company Logo

High Quality Moving Company

Very Good8.24/10
based on 757+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3435629 / 1178011

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2024)
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.

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.

DetroitSanta AnaHow They're Similar
MidtownDowntown Santa AnaVibrant arts and culture scene
CorktownFrench ParkHistoric homes and community feel
Indian VillageFloral ParkBeautiful historic homes and gardens
East English VillagePark SantiagoCharming homes with a strong community vibe
Palmer WoodsWashington SquareUpscale, with a sense of history
WoodbridgeWest Floral ParkCreative and eclectic community
Rosedale ParkWest Grove ValleyFamily-friendly, with parks and schools
Boston EdisonHeninger Park – Rich in history and close-knit communityHeninger Park – Rich in history and close-knit community
Sherwood ForestMorrison-Eldridge ParQuiet, with luxurious homes
Green AcresArtesia PilarDiverse 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.

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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 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.

CONs
PROs
Detroit, MI iconDetroit, MI
  • Harsh winters
  • Economic challenges
  • Higher crime rates
  • Limited public transit
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Milder winters
  • More job opportunities
  • Lower crime rates
  • Better public transit options
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less historic feel
  • More urban
  • Less music heritage
Detroit, MI iconDetroit, MI
  • 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.

Detroit
Santa Ana
Most iconic local food item
Coney Dog
Tacos
Most popular meat dish
Detroit-style Pizza
Carne Asada
Most popular street food item
Coney Dog
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Coney
Vegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • American Coney Island
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Buddy's Pizza
  • Taquerias Guadalajara
  • Playground
  • Burrito San Roman
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
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🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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.

DetroitSanta AnaWhat You'll Love
Selden StandardPlaygroundSimilar quality and inventive dishes
Slows Bar BQHeritage BarbecueExpertly smoked meats
Lafayette Coney IslandEl Toro Bravo MarketA local favorite for comfort food
Supino PizzeriaIl Dolce PizzeriaAuthentic stone-oven pizza
Rose's Fine FoodBreakfast Bar of CaliforniaHomely and comforting breakfast
Grey Ghost DetroitThe Guild ClubCraft cocktails with premium ingredients
Detroit Vegan SoulMunchies DinerDelicious and creative vegan options
AntietamQuiadElegant dining with a focus on presentation
Taqueria El ReyTaqueria GuadalajaraAuthentic Mexican street food
Maru Sushi & GrillSushi RokuHigh-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.

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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.

Detroit
Santa Ana
Typical Architecture Style
Historic Brick Homes
Spanish Colonial Revival
Walkability
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👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Renovation Potential, Historic Charm
Close to beaches, Modern amenities

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 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.

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.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

83/63
83/64
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

35/22
70/48


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

33
13
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

34
0


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.

Detroit
Santa Ana
Avg. Household Income
$36,140
$80,265
Cost of Living Index
99.4
136.4
State Income Tax
4.25
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
2.3
0.72
Avg. Sales Tax
6
7.75
Top 3 Industries
Automotive, Technology, Healthcare
Technology, Healthcare, Retail
Affluence
Lower
Higher
Poverty
High
Moderate
Homelessness
Visible
Concerning

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.

Detroit
Santa Ana
Political Make-up
Primarily Democratic
Lean Democratic
Local Politics
City of Detroit Government
City of Santa Ana Government
Religion
Diverse, Christian majority
Diverse, with a significant Catholic presence

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.

Detroit
Santa Ana
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
24.5
26.1
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?
Challenging
Easier

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.

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