Best St. Paul to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from St. Paul to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,915 mile move from Minnesota to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 29 St. Paul 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 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in St. Paul 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 St. Paul to Santa Ana Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
2Metro Movers9.529.73Authorized For Property
3Terry Moving & Storage9.379.2Authorized For HHG
4General Expert Moving Service LLC9.308.89Authorized For HHG
5Goal Line Moving9.289.42Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from St. Paul to Santa Ana?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,915 miles from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $3,410 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom St. Paul to Santa Ana move is roughly $8,225. 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$2,288300 ft³$7.63
1 Bedroom$3,410450 ft³$7.58
2 Bedrooms$5,645750 ft³$7.53
3 Bedrooms$8,2251100 ft³$7.48
4 Bedrooms$11,8831600 ft³$7.43
5+ Bedrooms$13,2791800 ft³$7.38
*Please note: These Minnesota to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Minnesota & 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 MN to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Ana to St. Paul guide.

Compare the 5 Best St. Paul 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
Metro Movers Logo

Metro Movers

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 954+ data points

434 Blake Rd N

Hopkins, MN, 55343

About Metro Movers

Metro Movers, a licensed and insured transport and logistics company in Minnesota, was founded by two childhood friends with a shared...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Business Moving
  • Long Distance Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3742268 / 1503884

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved16,000 (2023)
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
General Expert Moving Service LLC Logo

General Expert Moving Service LLC

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 489+ data points

3804 22nd Ave S

Minneapolis, MN, 55407

About General Expert Moving Service LLC

General Expert Moving Service LLC is a family-owned moving company based in Minnesota. It started with two brothers and a pickup...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2846187 / 1285395

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers24
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Goal Line Moving Logo

Goal Line Moving

Exceptional9.28/10
based on 614+ data points

Plymouth, MN

About Goal Line Moving

Located in Ham Lake, MN, Goal Line Moving is a family-owned and operated company with four years in the business and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2926126 / 1088400

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (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.

St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. We've made it easier by comparing the top neighborhoods between St. Paul, MN & Santa Ana, CA . This guide helps you find a comparable neighborhood in Santa Ana, giving you a baseline of what to expect based on your current preferences in St. Paul.

St. PaulSanta AnaHow They're Similar
Summit HillFloral ParkHistoric homes, community-focused
Highland ParkPark SantiagoFamily-friendly, outdoor spaces
Macalester-GrovelandWashington SquareAcademic vibe, historic architecture
LowertownDowntown Santa AnaArtsy, vibrant nightlife
Merriam ParkWest Floral ParkQuiet, well-manicured lawns
Cathedral HillFrench ParkElegant, with architectural charm
Como ParkThornton ParkRecreational activities, family-friendly
Dayton's BluffHeninger ParkDiverse, with historic significance
St. Anthony ParkWilshire SquareQuiet, community-oriented
Hamline-MidwayArtesia PilarLively, community engagement

In comparing neighborhoods from St. Paul, MN, to Santa Ana, CA, you'll find unique qualities that may remind you of home while embracing the new. For instance, if you're drawn to Summit Hill's historic homes and cohesive community vibe, Floral Park in Santa Ana offers a similar environment, where residents cherish its architectural charm and strong neighborly spirit. Outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate Highland Park's extensive parklands and family-friendly atmosphere will find a kindred spirit in Park Santiago, known for its leafy streets and proximity to Santiago Park's vast open spaces. Meanwhile, art lovers and nightlife aficionados transitioning from Lowertown will be enamored with Downtown Santa Ana's lively arts scene, eclectic dining options, and vibrant bars, mirroring a rich cultural and social tapestry. Each area, from the academic ambiance in Macalester-Groveland matched by Washington Square’s historic buildings and proximity to educational institutions, to the laid-back, community-focused energy of Merriam Park mirrored in West Floral Park, accentuates how moving between these cities can reveal familiar comforts in new settings.

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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

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Pros and Cons of Moving from St. Paul to Santa Ana

Moving from one city to another can be a life-changing decision. This comparison aims to show an honest reflection of moving from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA , carefully weighing the good and the bad aspects. Understanding these contrasts will help facilitate a smoother transition, ensuring you're well-informed about what to anticipate from your relocation.

CONs
PROs
St. Paul, MN iconSt. Paul, MN
  • Colder Winters
  • Far from Beaches
  • Smaller City
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Warmer Climate
  • Close to Beaches
  • Larger Urban Area
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Less Historical
  • Less Seasonal Variety
  • Higher Cost of Living
St. Paul, MN iconSt. Paul, MN
  • Rich History
  • Seasonal Changes
  • Lower Cost of Living

Moving from St. Paul to Santa Ana presents a stark contrast in weather, with Santa Ana offering a warmer climate that allows for an extended outdoor lifestyle, highly beneficial for those disenchanted by the harsh Minnesota winters. The proximity to stunning beaches, such as Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, adds a resort-like feeling to everyday life. Santa Ana's vibrant downtown, brimming with diverse eateries like 4th Street Market, provides a cornucopia of flavors and communal spaces not found in St. Paul. However, this shift comes with a higher cost of living, though many find the access to year-round outdoor activities and the dynamic cultural scene in areas such as the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park and Bowers Museum an equitable trade-off. Embracing Santa Ana means adapting to its energetic pulse and leveraging the countless opportunities for growth and exploration.

St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between St. Paul, MN & Santa Ana, CA. Understanding food is crucial to getting a sense of local culture and lifestyle. Let's explore the food scene to help you get acquainted with your new home.

St. Paul
Santa Ana
Most iconic local food item
Walleye
Tacos
Most popular meat dish
Juicy Lucy burger
Carnitas
Most popular street food item
Food Truck Fare
Elote
Most popular vegan food
Wild Rice Bowl
Vegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Cossetta's
  • Manny's Steakhouse
  • The Minnesotan
  • Electric Karma
  • Playground
  • 4th Street Market
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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In St. Paul, the Juicy Lucy burger offers a taste of local innovation with its cheese-stuffed patty, a dish best enjoyed in the cozy pubs scattered around the city. Over in Santa Ana, the bustling 4th Street Market showcases the city's vibrant foodie scene, including a variety of vegan options, reflecting the area's health-conscious lifestyle. Vibrant food trucks line Santa Ana's streets, offering everything from traditional tacos to inventive vegan eats, highlighting the city's diverse culinary landscape. Whether you crave a serene dining experience in St. Paul or the dynamic flavors of Santa Ana, both cities promise to deliver satisfying and memorable meals.

St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison

When relocating from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA, finding your new favorite dining spots is crucial for feeling at home. This comparison charts the top restaurants in St. Paul to their counterparts in Santa Ana, enabling you to discover culinary delights that mirror your tastes and preferences from back home.

St. PaulSanta AnaWhat You'll Love
MeritageLa Super BirriaKnown for fine French cuisine with a Californian flair
The LexingtonPlaygroundUpscale American eatery with a creative menu
HeartlandCraveOffering farm-to-table dining that matches Heartland's commitment to local sourcing
Cossetta'sBurritos La PalmaFamous for their authentic Zacetecas-style burritos, echoing Cossetta's dedication to traditional recipes
Mancini's Char HouseMeat on OceanA steakhouse experience that rivals Mancini's in quality and ambiance
Brasa Premium RotisseriePollo NorteñoSpecializes in rotisserie chicken with a unique blend of seasonings
Mickey's DinerNorms RestaurantIconic diner that captures the essence of American comfort food like Mickey's
The Buttered TinBreakfast RepublicOffers a creative breakfast menu that fans of The Buttered Tin will adore
Tanpopo Noodle ShopHakoA Japanese restaurant specializing in ramen and noodles, reminiscent of Tanpopo's offerings
Khyber Pass CafeKabab GrillHighlighting Middle Eastern cuisine with a passion for flavors that mirrors Khyber Pass

While transitioning from the historic charm of St. Paul to the vibrant streets of Santa Ana, your culinary journey doesn't have to start from scratch. For instance, Heartland's commitment to locally sourced, farm-to-table dining is mirrored by Crave, ensuring that your support for sustainable eating habits can continue seamlessly in Santa Ana. If your comfort food in St. Paul was the authentic Zacetecas-style burritos at Cossetta's, then Burritos La Palma in Santa Ana will be your go-to for filling that void with its equally revered traditional recipes. Moreover, transitioning from the cozy, communal atmosphere of Mickey's Diner to the iconic Norms Restaurant provides a semblance of continuity in your dining experiences, ensuring that your move is flavorful in every aspect.

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St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current and future city is crucial. This guide focuses on real estate aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle, providing a detailed comparison between St. Paul, MN, and Santa Ana, CA. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision.

St. Paul
Santa Ana
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian, Craftsman
Spanish Colonial, Modern
Walkability
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👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Proximity to parks, Quiet neighborhoods
Close to beaches, Vibrant community life

The difference in median home prices and rents between St. Paul and Santa Ana crucially impacts your budget. Santa Ana's higher cost of living is balanced by its vibrant community life and proximity to beaches, making it an appealing option for those seeking an urban lifestyle. St. Paul, with its more affordable housing options, features Victorian and Craftsman-style homes, emphasizing quiet neighborhoods and green spaces. Both cities cater to outdoor enthusiasts, albeit in very different landscapes and climates, offering unique living experiences tailored to personal preferences.

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.

St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations

When considering a move from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA, understanding how the weather differs is crucial. This comparison will help you anticipate changes and prepare accordingly. Knowing what to expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, and other weather-related factors is essential for a smooth transition.

St. Paul
Santa Ana
Days of Sunshine per Year
198 days
280 days
Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
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Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Extreme Cold
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

83°F / 63°F
83°F / 64°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

23°F / 6°F
70°F / 48°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

32 inches
14 inches
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

52 inches
0 inches


Transitioning from the cold, snowy winters of St. Paul to the mild, sunny climate of Santa Ana can be a welcome change for many. However, it's important to prepare for less tangible differences, such as the increased UV index and different allergens in Santa Ana. While St. Paul residents are accustomed to preparing for snowstorms, you'll need to shift your focus towards earthquake and wildfire preparedness after the move. Additionally, Santa Ana enjoys significantly more sunny days per year, offering ample opportunities to explore the outdoors year-round.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from St. Paul to Santa Ana

When planning a move, it’s crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial environment of your new location compares to your current one. This comparison between St. Paul, MN, and Santa Ana, CA, focuses on key financial aspects that will influence your life post-move. Knowing these differences will help you make an informed decision and prepare accordingly.

St. Paul
Santa Ana
Avg. Household Income
$66,098
$80,265
Cost of Living Index
110
136.4
State Income Tax
5.35 - 9.85
1 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax
1.28
0.72
Avg. Sales Tax
7.625
7.75
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing
Manufacturing, Retail, Education
Affluence
moderate
varied
Poverty
notable
significant
Homelessness
concerning
critical

Moving from St. Paul to Santa Ana, you'll notice a significant difference in the cost of living, with Santa Ana being considerably more expensive. Although the average household income is slightly higher in Santa Ana, the state income tax can be notably higher based on your income bracket, potentially offsetting the increased earnings. The sales tax rates are quite comparable, with a slight edge going to Santa Ana. Despite the lower property tax rate in Santa Ana, housing costs can be substantially higher, influenced by the state's overall higher cost of living index and demanding real estate market. This along with the fact that both cities have major industries that differ, with equaled emphasis on education, presents a nuanced choice regarding employment opportunities and living standards.

St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA, understanding the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between St. Paul & Santa Ana can provide you with a comprehensive snapshot of the demographics. This comparison will help in acclimatizing to your new home.

St. Paul
Santa Ana
Political Make-up
Liberal
Liberal
Local Politics
City Government
City Government
Religion
Diverse, with a significant Catholic presence
Diverse, with a significant Catholic and Protestant presence

In both St. Paul and Santa Ana, you'll find a political landscape that leans liberal, which might make the transition smoother if you share similar views. The local government structures of both cities actively support their communities through various services and initiatives accessible via their official websites. Religion plays a vital role in the multicultural tapestries of both cities. St. Paul has a strong Catholic presence, reflecting in its numerous churches and communities. Santa Ana, while also diverse in religious practice, has a notable Catholic and Protestant presence, illustrating the broad spectrum of faiths and belief systems embraced by its residents. This diversity not only enriches the cultural fabric of the city but also offers new residents a variety of religious communities to join.

St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA involves adjusting to new daily commutes and understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options. This guide aims to provide an overview of what you can expect in terms of your daily travels in these two cities.

St. Paul
Santa Ana
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
22.5
24.8
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Possible, but challenging
More feasible, especially in downtown areas

The average commute time in Santa Ana is slightly longer than in St. Paul, which could be attributed to the denser traffic congestion California cities are known for. Despite the congestion, Santa Ana offers a better public transit system compared to St. Paul, making it somewhat easier to get around without a car, particularly in its downtown areas and immediate surroundings. However, in both cities, relying solely on public transport can present challenges, but it's more manageable in Santa Ana if you plan your routes well. Understanding and adapting to these differences will be key to making your transition smoother.

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