Best Santa Ana to Durham Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Santa Ana to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,621 mile move from California to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 32 Santa Ana to Durham moving companies and more than 15,000 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 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Santa Ana compared to Durham. 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 Santa Ana to Durham Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Santa Ana to Durham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
2Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
3Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
4Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
5CC Relocation, Inc.9.139.66Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Santa Ana to Durham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,621 miles from Santa Ana, CA to Durham, NC will cost on average $4,010 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Santa Ana to Durham move is roughly $9,692. 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$2,688300 ft³8.96
1 Bedroom$4,010450 ft³8.91
2 Bedrooms$6,646750 ft³8.86
3 Bedrooms$9,6921100 ft³8.81
4 Bedrooms$14,0181600 ft³8.76
5+ Bedrooms$15,6801800 ft³8.71
*Please note: These California to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & North Carolina. 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 NC mover.
California iconArrow iconNorth Carolina icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Santa Ana guide.

Compare the 5 Best Santa Ana to Durham 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 8,688+ 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
Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
2
Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ 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
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
CC Relocation, Inc. Logo

CC Relocation, Inc.

Exceptional9.13/10
based on 1,413+ 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
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can stir up feelings of both excitement and uncertainty. One way to ease the transition is by finding a new neighborhood that mirrors the vibe and amenities of your current one. This guide is designed to help you navigate the similarities between popular Santa Ana, CA and Durham, NC neighborhoods , making your move a little more familiar.

Santa AnaDurhamHow They're Similar
Floral ParkTrinity ParkHistoric homes, community feel
West Floral ParkOld West DurhamVintage homes, vibrant energy
Morrison-Eldridge ParkHope ValleyFamily-friendly, scenic parks
Washington SquareWatts-HillandaleHistoric, lively streets
Fisher ParkForest HillsLush landscapes, classic charm
French ParkCleveland-HollowayDiverse architecture, artsy scene
Heninger ParkGeerwood ParkCultural diversity, community events
Wilshire SquareBrightleafQuaint shops, walkable streets
LoganGolden BeltIndustrial history, modern living
RiverviewAmerican Tobacco DistrictRevitalized, entertainment hub

Understanding the character and appeal of neighborhoods can help you find your perfect new home. For example, if you've enjoyed the historic charm and tight-knit community of Floral Park in Santa Ana, you'll likely appreciate Trinity Park in Durham, where mature trees line the streets of historic homes, creating a serene, community-oriented environment. Similarly, if the artsy and diverse atmosphere of French Park resonated with you, Cleveland-Holloway could be your next favorite spot, with its eclectic mix of architecture and vibrant arts scene that includes local spots like the Pleiades Arts. For those who thrive in the lively, walkable areas, Wilshire Square's variety closely matches Brightleaf's offering of quaint shops and sidewalk cafes, perfect for afternoon strolls or morning coffee runs. Exploring these neighborhoods reveals unique shops, parks, and restaurants that make each area special, promising a smooth transition to your new city.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Santa Ana to Durham

Moving from one city to another involves weighing the benefits against the drawbacks. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Santa Ana, CA to Durham, NC. By examining the pros and cons, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Air Quality Issues
  • Less seasonal change
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Better air quality
  • Distinct seasons
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller diverse population
  • Fewer authentic Mexican restaurants
  • Far from major cities
  • More humid summers
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Vibrant multicultural community
  • Better Mexican cuisine
  • Proximity to LA
  • Abundant sunshine

While the move from Santa Ana, CA to Durham, NC may mean saying goodbye to the familiar sights and sounds of Southern California, such as the year-round sunshine and proximity to iconic locations like Los Angeles, it also opens up a new chapter filled with its own unique experiences. Durham boasts a burgeoning arts scene, with venues like the Durham Performing Arts Center and a thriving food culture that includes southern barbecue joints and farm-to-table restaurants. Though you might miss Santa Ana's unmatched Mexican cuisine, Durham's culinary scene, featuring spots like Pompieri Pizza, offers a diverse palette of flavors. Moreover, Durham's distinct seasons offer scenic beauty year-round, from autumn leaves in the Eno River State Park to blooming gardens in Sarah P. Duke Gardens each spring. The transition comes with adjustments, but each city's unique offerings make the move a journey worth considering.

Santa Ana vs. Durham Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Santa Ana & Durham will help you understand the food scene in both areas. Food plays a significant role in the culture and daily life of a location. By comparing these two cities, you'll be better informed about what culinary experiences await you after your move.

Santa AnaDurham
Most iconic local food itemTacosBarbecue Pork
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemEloteFood Trucks Varied Menu
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosVegan Barbecue
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Restaurant 1
  • Restaurant 2
  • Restaurant 3
  • Restaurant A
  • Restaurant B
  • Restaurant C
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Santa Ana, vibrant street foods like elote and tacos, including innovative options like jackfruit tacos, reflect the city's rich Mexican heritage. Notably, the downtown area and Fourth Street Market are culinary hotspots where enthusiasts can explore. Durham's food scene, meanwhile, merges traditional Southern comforts with a modern twist. For example, smoked brisket and vegan barbecue showcase the city's skill in blending innovation with tradition. Durham's penchant for food trucks, particularly around the downtown area and near Duke University, offers a kaleidoscope of flavors, from authentic Southern to global cuisine, making it a foodie's delight.

Santa Ana vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a place feel like home. This Santa Ana to Durham restaurant comparison aims to ease your transition by helping you find new favorite eateries based on your existing preferences. Whether you crave high-end dining experiences or affordable casual bites, this guide bridges culinary worlds between Santa Ana and Durham.

Santa AnaDurhamWhat You'll Love
Burritos La PalmaTaqueria La VaquitaAuthentic Mexican street-style tacos
PlaygroundMateo Bar de TapasSpanish cuisine with a Southern twist
Hopper & BurrCocoa CinnamonArtisanal coffee and unique flavor combinations
Chapter One: the modern localBar VirgileCozy atmosphere with a modern local vibe
FalasophyMediterranean Deli & CateringFresh and authentic Mediterranean flavors
CraveDame's Chicken & WafflesUnique soul food combinations
AnepalcoGonza Tacos y TequilaInnovative Mexican dishes with a twist
Mariscos HectorSaltbox Seafood JointFresh, local seafood focus
The Blind Pig Kitchen + BarAlley Twenty SixCocktail bar with gourmet American cuisine
Shabu Shabu BarM KokkoKorean-style hot pot and savory dishes

By drawing parallels between Santa Ana and Durham's vibrant dining scenes, you can ease into your new surroundings without sacrificing your culinary comforts. For instance, if Burritos La Palma was your go-to for Mexican cravings, Taqueria La Vaquita in Durham mirrors that experience with its street-style tacos and authentic flavors. Similarly, Mateo Bar de Tapas offers a creative spin on traditional Spanish dishes, akin to Playground’s innovative approach to cuisine. Each comparison not just matches food types but also the unique dining experiences—from the artisanal coffee culture championed by both Hopper & Burr and Cocoa Cinnamon, to the local vibe that both Chapter One and Bar Virgile exude, making you feel right at home irrespective of your location. Delve into the rich, culinary landscapes of Durham, and you'll soon discover that each meal tells a story of its own, reminiscent of the flavors you cherished back in Santa Ana.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Santa Ana vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Understanding how Santa Ana and Durham compare in terms of housing cost, architecture, walkability, and lifestyle is crucial for making an informed decision. Let's dive into the details to help guide your relocation journey.

ComparisonSanta AnaDurham
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial, RanchColonial Revival, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen floor plans, Outdoor spacesEco-friendly features, Proximity to research institutions

When comparing the real estate markets of Santa Ana and Durham, the most striking difference is the affordability. Homes in Durham are notably less expensive, offering a significant cost advantage for purchasers. Median rent also reflects this disparity, making Durham an attractive option for renters. Architecture aficionados will appreciate the variety between the two cities - Santa Ana's Spanish Colonial and Ranch styles versus Durham's Colonial Revival and Craftsman homes. Both cities offer a decent quality of urban lifestyle, but Durham edges out slightly in terms of walkability and bikeability, reflecting its growing emphasis on sustainable and accessible urban planning. Additionally, Durham's real estate listings often highlight eco-friendly features and proximity to research institutions, pointing to the city's progressive values and thriving academic community.

Santa Ana vs. Durham Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another involves adapting to new environments, especially the weather . If you're transitioning from Santa Ana, CA to Durham, NC , understanding how the climate differs between these two locations is crucial for a smooth adaptation.

Summer icon
83°F / 64°F

Santa Ana, CA

89°F / 68°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
70°F / 48°F

Santa Ana, CA

50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
14

Santa Ana, CA

45

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Santa Ana, CA

6

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSanta AnaDurham
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Santa Ana to Durham, you'll notice notable differences in climate. Santa Ana boasts a warm, dry climate with an abundance of sunny days, making it ideal for those who love consistent warm weather. On the other hand, Durham experiences a more varied climate with hotter summers, colder winters, and more precipitation throughout the year. This includes a significant increase in rainfall and the occasional snowfall, unlike Santa Ana's negligible rain and lack of snow. The humidity level in Durham is also slightly higher, which can affect comfort and may require some adjustments in day-to-day living. Awareness of these weather differences will aid in preparing for your move and adjusting to Durham's environment more comfortably.

Ready to start your move?

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

When you're planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial differences can save you a lot of surprises. This comparison between Santa Ana, CA and Durham, NC, focusing on their money and finance aspects, will help you gauge how your expenses and income opportunities may shift. This insight is pivotal for your financial planning and adjustment in a new city.

ComparisonSanta AnaDurham
Avg. Household Income$80,265$71,343
Cost of Living Index136.496.6
State Income Tax13.35.25
Avg. Property Tax0.720.84
Avg. Sales Tax9.257.5
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Retail, HealthcareEducation, Healthcare, Technology
AffluenceModerateEmerging
PovertyNotableModest
HomelessnessSignificantLower

Moving from Santa Ana to Durham means adapting to a lower average household income but enjoying a more affordable cost of living. Santa Ana’s higher state and sales tax rates can significantly affect disposable income, something that's notably less of a burden in Durham thanks to its lower rates. Additionally, you'll find yourself in a city with a slightly higher property tax, but remember, the overall cost of living is lower. Both cities present strong job opportunities, but with distinct leading industries. Notably, Durham is becoming a powerhouse in technology and education, providing new avenues for professional growth. While Santa Ana has notable poverty and homelessness, you'll find Durham's situation to be modest by comparison, indicating a different set of social challenges and opportunities.

Santa Ana vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

When prepping for a move from Santa Ana, CA to Durham, NC, a quick glimpse at the comparison of the politics between Santa Ana & Durham gives insightful contrasts and similarities regarding the political and religious views of their residents. This guide aims to provide you with a concise overview to help in understanding your new community.

Santa AnaDurham
Political Make-upLiberalLiberal
Local PoliticsDemocrat-dominated city councilDemocrat-led local government
ReligionMix of Catholic and EvangelicalDiverse, with a significant Protestant presence

In diving deeper into these aspects, both Santa Ana and Durham share a predominantly liberal political makeup, which is reflected in their local government structures being Democrat-led. However, differences emerge in the religious landscapes of each city. Santa Ana displays a religious diversity with a notable mix of Catholic and Evangelical Christian communities. In contrast, Durham features a variety of religious beliefs but with a significant Protestant influence, hinting at the varied demographic and cultural backgrounds present in each city. Understanding these aspects can be essential in easing the transition and blending into the fabric of your new community.

Santa Ana vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving involves not just a change of address but adapting to a new daily routine. This guide helps you better understand the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Santa Ana & Durham , so you can gauge what your commute and traffic experience will be like in these cities.

ComparisonSanta AnaDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?ChallengingDifficult

In Santa Ana, you'll find that the average commute time is slightly longer than in Durham, reflecting the heavier traffic congestion seen throughout the area. Although public transportation options are more readily available in Santa Ana, getting around without a car can still be a challenge. Durham, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed driving experience with less congestion but has fewer public transit options, making car dependence higher. In both cities, planning your travel and considering alternative transportation methods can significantly enhance your daily commuting experience.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Santa Ana to Durham Movers Featured Image