Best Richmond to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Richmond to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,690 mile move from Virginia to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 25 Richmond 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 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Richmond 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 Richmond to Santa Ana Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
2Terry Moving & Storage9.379.2Authorized For HHG
3Estes SureMove9.229.68Authorized For Property
4On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA9.219.58Authorized For HHG
5Two Men and a Truck8.968.87Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,690 miles from Richmond, VA to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $4,069 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Richmond to Santa Ana move is roughly $9,836. 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$2,728300 ft³$9.09
1 Bedroom$4,069450 ft³$9.04
2 Bedrooms$6,744750 ft³$8.99
3 Bedrooms$9,8361100 ft³$8.94
4 Bedrooms$14,2271600 ft³$8.89
5+ Bedrooms$15,9151800 ft³$8.84
*Please note: These Virginia to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Virginia & 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 VA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Ana to Richmond guide.

Compare the 5 Best Richmond 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
Estes SureMove Logo

Estes SureMove

Exceptional9.22/10
based on 1,218+ data points

3901 W Broad St

Richmond, VA, 23230

About Estes SureMove

The most significant cause of stress when moving is the cost. Traditional full-service movers can take care of everything for you,...

Services

  • Home moving
  • Employee relocations
  • Add-ons (such as same-day pickup)

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

121018 / 97275

Authorized For Property

Carrier/Broker

Registered Trucks/Vans9,075
Registered Drivers8,573
Total Annual Miles Moved586,187,648 (2023)
View Full Review
3
On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA Logo

On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA

Exceptional9.21/10
based on 837+ data points

424 E Grace St # 92

Richmond, VA, 23219

About On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA

On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC is a family-owned and operated moving company based in Richmond, VA. They provide local and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Moving Helpers
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3865625 / 1413617

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved8,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Superb8.96/10
based on 3,600+ data points

8403 Sanford Dr

Henrico, VA, 23228

About Two Men and a Truck

With over 30 years’ experience and 350 locations worldwide, Two Men and a Truck is a trusted name in the moving...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2988823 / 17957

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (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.

Richmond vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into another world, but comparing neighborhoods can offer a sense of familiarity in unfamiliar surroundings. This guide is designed to help you get to know Santa Ana, CA by finding neighborhoods that share similarities with those you already love in Richmond, VA. By making a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Richmond, VA & Santa Ana, CA , we aim to ease your transition and help you discover your new favorite spots in no time.

RichmondSanta AnaHow They're Similar
The FanFloral ParkHistoric charm, vibrant community events
Church HillFrench ParkHistoric architecture, tight-knit community
CarytownDowntown Santa AnaEclectic shops, diverse dining
Scott's AdditionArts DistrictBuzzing nightlife, creative spaces
Museum DistrictWashington SquareCultural richness, historic sites
Shockoe BottomEastsideLively nightlife, historic significance
Forest HillPark SantiagoNature-centric, laid-back vibe
ManchesterHeninger ParkUrban renewal, community focus
Westover HillsWilshire SquarePeaceful living, historical backdrop
BellevueWest Floral ParkQuiet, family-friendly environment

For example, if you're charmed by the bustling streets and eclectic shops of Carytown in Richmond, you'll find a similar vibe in Downtown Santa Ana, where diverse dining options and unique boutiques line the streets. Meanwhile, fans of the outdoor lifestyle and green spaces in Forest Hill will appreciate the nature-centric attitude and laid-back vibe of Park Santiago, complete with its sprawling parks and community focus. History buffs moving from Church Hill's cobblestone streets and rich history will feel right at home in French Park, where historic architecture and a tight-knit community paint a similar picture. Each neighborhood offers its own unique attractions, like the Bowers Museum in Washington Square, echoing the cultural richness found in Richmond's Museum District.

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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 Richmond to Santa Ana

Moving across the country from Richmond, VA to Santa Ana, CA can be a significant life change. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of such a relocation, helping you weigh your options carefully. By examining both sides, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle needs.

CONs
PROs
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Higher humidity
  • Less diversity
  • Smaller city feel
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • Far from beaches
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Dryer climate
  • More cultural diversity
  • Larger urban area
  • More job opportunities
  • Near beautiful beaches
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Less historical sites
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less seasonal variation
  • Larger, more impersonal
  • More urbanized setting
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Rich history
  • Lower living costs
  • Distinct seasons
  • Smaller, tight-knit community
  • Proximity to nature

When you move from Richmond, VA to Santa Ana, CA, you're not just changing your address; you're embracing a new lifestyle. You might miss Richmond's rich historical ambiance, epitomized by landmarks like the St. John's Church, or its distinct seasons that paint the city in vibrant colors. However, Santa Ana welcomes you with a lively cultural scene and a myriad of job opportunities, especially in sectors like technology and entertainment. You'll find yourself exploring diverse neighborhoods, such as the vibrant Downtown Santa Ana, known for its creative arts scene. The proximity to iconic Californian beaches and renowned attractions like Disneyland offers a unique blend of urban and recreational lifestyles. While the cost of living might be higher, the quality of life and the endless sunshine in Santa Ana make it a desirable relocation destination.

Richmond vs. Santa Ana Food Guide

Food is a vital thread in the cultural fabric of any area, reflecting its heritage and lifestyle. In this guide, we compare the local cuisine between Richmond, VA & Santa Ana, CA , to give you a taste of what your new home has to offer. It's a flavorful way to help you feel more at home in your new city.

Richmond
Santa Ana
Most iconic local food item
Virginia Ham
Tacos
Most popular meat dish
BBQ Brisket
Carnitas
Most popular street food item
Hot Dogs
Tamales
Most popular vegan food
Kale Salad
Vegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Sub Rosa Bakery
  • Mama J's Kitchen
  • Lemaire
  • 4th Street Market
  • Taco Rosa
  • Playground
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Richmond, one can't miss the savoury experience of Virginia Ham, a staple that showcases the state's rich tradition in smoked meats. If you wander through downtown Richmond, Mama J's Kitchen stands as a beacon for southern cuisine enthusiasts. Moving over to Santa Ana, the Mexican influence is strong and delightful, with tacos and carnitas dominating the local palate. This city's vibrancy is captured in food trucks and markets, most notably the 4th Street Market, offering a cornucopia of cuisines including irresistible vegan options. Whether you're exploring the historic streets of Richmond or the bustling avenues of Santa Ana, the range of foods and restaurants is a testament to the diverse cultural heritage and evolving culinary scenes of both cities.

Richmond vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be a big step, and nothing says 'home' quite like finding your favorite dining spot. This comparison chart is designed to make your transition from Richmond, VA to Santa Ana, CA smoother by matching you with similar culinary experiences. By comparing the top restaurants in Richmond with their counterparts in Santa Ana, this guide aims to help find your new favorite eateries.

RichmondSanta AnaWhat You'll Love
L’OpossumPlaygroundUpscale dining with a playful twist
Mama J’s KitchenGeorgia’sHomestyle comfort with a soulful touch
Sally Bell’s Kitchen4th Street MarketDiverse food hall options
Joe’s InnChapter One: the modern localTraditional dishes with a modern flair
Stella’sMilos CafeAuthentic flavors in a cozy setting
Rappahannock RestaurantSanta Ana Fish Market, Inc.Fresh seafood selections
LehjaAdyaContemporary Indian cuisine
ZZQ Texas Craft BarbequeHeritage BarbecueQuality smoked meats with a Californian touch
Edo’s SquidBello by Sandro NardoneItalian classics meet California creativity
The RooseveltTerraSeasonally inspired dishes with a local focus

Upon your move, you'll find solace in knowing that Santa Ana offers dining experiences that resonate with your Richmond favorites. For example, Playground in Santa Ana mirrors L’Opossum's approach to upscale dining but adds a playful, innovative twist to each dish, ensuring a unique dining experience. Similarly, for those who cherished the soulful flavors and comforting embrace of Mama J’s Kitchen, Georgia’s in Santa Ana provides a heartwarming array of soul food dishes that are bound to make you feel right at home. Moreover, if the local and sustainable seafood of Rappahannock Restaurant was your go-to, Santa Ana Fish Market, Inc. will impress with its commitment to freshness and quality. Diving deeper into these culinary transitions promises not just a similarity in tastes but introduces you to the rich, diverse culture of Santa Ana, making your new city feel like home.

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Ready to start your move?

Richmond vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, getting to grips with the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to shed light on how Richmond, VA, and Santa Ana, CA, stack up in terms of housing affordability, style, and livability, making your decision a little easier.

Richmond
Santa Ana
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial, Craftsman
Spanish Colonial, Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Historic features, Large yards
Central location, Energy efficiency

The housing landscape in Richmond, VA, presents a more affordable entry point into the market, with a median home price significantly lower than in Santa Ana, CA. However, what you save in dollars in Richmond, you might pay for in terms of accessibility and lifestyle options. Santa Ana offers a more urban living experience with its better walkability and bikeability scores, catering to those who value ease of access to local amenities. Additionally, the architectural style in each city reflects its unique heritage and climate, with Santa Ana favoring the Spanish Colonial and modern designs, which complement its warmer California climate, while Richmond retains charm through its Colonial and Craftsman-style homes.

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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.

Richmond vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations

If you're preparing to move from one city to another, comprehending how the weather patterns in your new home compare to your current location is crucial. This comparison between Richmond, VA, and Santa Ana, CA, weather will illuminate the changes you can expect, ensuring a smoother transition.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89/68
83/64
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

48/29
70/48


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

43.60
13.33
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

10
0


When examining the weather changes from Richmond to Santa Ana, one can notice significant differences in climate and environmental conditions. Santa Ana offers more sunny days and milder winters, which might require you to adjust your wardrobe and possibly even your lifestyle. The lower humidity and better air quality could be a welcome change for those sensitive to moisture and allergens. Also, while natural disasters vary greatly between the two cities, understanding the local emergency preparedness measures in Santa Ana for earthquakes and wildfires will be essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Ready to start your move?

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

When relocating, understanding the financial landscape of your new city is critical. This comparison aims to demonstrate the economic differences between Richmond, VA, and Santa Ana, CA , offering insights into what you can expect in terms of cost of living , taxes , and income levels. Such knowledge is vital for budgeting and financial planning in your new home.

Richmond
Santa Ana
Avg. Household Income
$51,770
$80,265
Cost of Living Index
104.5
136.4
State Income Tax
5.75
13.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.90
0.77
Avg. Sales Tax
5.3
7.75
Top 3 Industries
Government, Finance, Education
Manufacturing, Retail, Education
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Moderate to High
Low to Moderate
Homelessness
Moderate
High

Moving from Richmond, VA, to Santa Ana, CA, involves not just a geographical change but also a substantial shift in your financial landscape. Expect a higher cost of living in Santa Ana, attributed mostly to housing and daily expenses. However, the average household income in Santa Ana is also higher, possibly offsetting these costs partially. Be aware of the state income tax rates, which are significantly higher in California. Despite this, the affluence in Santa Ana could indicate a potentially higher quality of life with proper financial planning, amidst a diverse and vibrant economic ecosystem supported by sectors like manufacturing and retail.

Richmond vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison

In considering your move from Richmond, VA to Santa Ana, CA, understanding the communities you're transitioning between can smooth the transition. This comparison offers a quick glance at the political and religious makeup between Richmond & Santa Ana , giving you a sense of what to expect from your new neighbors and community.

Richmond
Santa Ana
Political Make-up
Liberal-leaning, Democratic majority
Liberal-leaning, Democratic majority
Local Politics
Diverse representation in city government
Significant influence of Latino community on local policies (City of Santa Ana)
Religion
Christian majority with notable presence of other faiths
Christian majority with a significant Catholic component (Diocese of Orange)

While both cities sport a liberal-leaning, Democratic majority that might align with your political values, Santa Ana distinguishes itself with its vibrant Latino community, heavily influencing local policies and contributing to the city's cultural fabric. The religious scene in both cities is predominantly Christian, but Santa Ana, with its significant Catholic presence backed by the Diocese of Orange, offers a different flavor of community spirit and engagement. Understanding these subtleties will aid in integrating into your new neighborhood.

Richmond vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Richmond, VA to Santa Ana, CA brings a significant change in your daily commute and traffic experience. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in each city.

Richmond
Santa Ana
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
24
26
Traffic Congestion
5 out of 10
8 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
4 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Challenging
Possible, but difficult

Richmond and Santa Ana provide distinct driving and transit experiences. In Richmond, the average commute time is slightly shorter, and the traffic congestion is less severe compared to Santa Ana. However, both cities have limited public transit options, making car ownership more of a necessity than a choice. While it might be challenging to get by without a car in Richmond due to the availability of public transit being rated lower, in Santa Ana, it's somewhat more feasible thanks to a slightly better public transportation system and infrastructure. Nevertheless, navigating daily commutes in both cities without personal transportation requires planning and adjustment.

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