Best Washington DC to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Washington DC to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,748 mile move from DC to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 Washington DC 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 $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Santa Ana Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
2Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHGContact
3Mic's Moving9.599.56Authorized For HHGContact
4Ap Pro Moving Llc9.439.39ActiveContact
5Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Washington DC to Santa Ana

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,748 miles from Washington DC, DC to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $4,118 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Washington DC to Santa Ana move is roughly $9,956. 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$2,760300 ft³9.20
1 Bedroom$4,118450 ft³9.15
2 Bedrooms$6,826750 ft³9.10
3 Bedrooms$9,9561100 ft³9.05
4 Bedrooms$14,4021600 ft³9.00
5+ Bedrooms$16,1121800 ft³8.95
*Please note: These DC to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from DC & 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 DC to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Ana to Washington DC guide.

Compare the 5 Best Washington DC 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 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
Bookstore Movers Logo

Bookstore Movers

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

5200 46th Ave

Hyattsville, MD, 20781

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
2
Mic's Moving Logo

Mic's Moving

Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

1250 9th st. nw

Washington DC, DC, 20011

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
3
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo

Ap Pro Moving Llc

Exceptional9.43/10
based on 361+ data points

5021 Seminary Rd # 822

Alexandria, VA, 22311

About Ap Pro Moving Llc

Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3338902 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved4,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
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
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.

Washington DC vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison

If you're moving from Washington DC, DC to Santa Ana, CA, understanding the neighborhoods can make your transition smoother. This guide will compare the local neighborhoods between Washington DC, DC and Santa Ana, CA, providing you with a familiar baseline to help you feel at home more quickly.

Washington DCSanta AnaHow They're Similar
GeorgetownFloral ParkHistoric charm, upscale dining
Dupont CircleArtist's VillageVibrant nightlife, arts scene
Capitol HillFrench ParkHistoric homes, political vibe
Adams MorganDowntown Santa AnaMulticultural, bustling nightlife
U Street CorridorEast EndMusic venues, urban culture
West EndSouth Coast MetroMix of residential and commercial spaces
Penn QuarterCity PlaceUrban living, modern amenities
Foggy BottomBristol Street AreaProximity to educational institutions
Logan CirclePark SantiagoResidential charm, local parks
ShawSanta Ana TriangleCultural diversity, close-knit community

If you love the historic charm and upscale dining of Georgetown, you'll feel right at home in Santa Ana's Floral Park. Explore its beautifully preserved homes and stylish restaurants like Tangata. Meanwhile, Artist's Village in Santa Ana, with its vibrant nightlife and arts scene, is a great match for Dupont Circle. You can enjoy local galleries and live performances at Artists Village Artwalk. For those who frequent the music venues and urban culture of U Street Corridor, Santa Ana’s East End offers a similar vibe with spots like 4th Street Market enhancing the area's eclectic atmosphere. Explore these neighborhoods and discover how the familiar charm of Washington DC can be found in the vibrant streets of Santa Ana.

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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 Washington DC to Santa Ana

Considering a move from Washington DC, DC to Santa Ana, CA? This guide offers a balanced look at what you're leaving behind and what awaits you. By comparing the pros and cons, you'll get an honest reflection of the journey ahead, helping you prepare for the transition.

CONs
PROs
Washington DC, DC iconWashington DC, DC
  • High living costs
  • Harsh winters
  • Heavy traffic
  • Political climate
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Lower living costs
  • Sunny weather
  • Less congestion
  • Laid-back vibe
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Less variety
  • Different job market
  • Smaller parks
Washington DC, DC iconWashington DC, DC
  • Cultural landmarks
  • Diverse dining
  • Robust job market
  • Parks and greenery

While the thought of leaving behind Washington DC's rich tapestry of cultural landmarks like the Smithsonian and the National Mall can be daunting, Santa Ana welcomes newcomers with its own vibrant arts scene, exemplified by the Bowers Museum and the Discovery Cube. On the dining front, although you might miss DC's diverse culinary options, Santa Ana's thriving food scene, including hotspots such as Playground and 4th Street Market, offers a plethora of flavors that promise not to disappoint. Moreover, the transition from the bustling city life of DC to Santa Ana's more laid-back atmosphere can be a breath of fresh air, providing an opportunity for a more relaxed lifestyle, while still offering access to Orange County's dynamic job market and picturesque surroundings.

Washington DC vs. Santa Ana Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Washington DC & Santa Ana to give you a better understanding of what dining and culinary delights await you. Considering food is an important aspect of any local culture and significantly impacts the living experience of an area, this comparison will equip you with the necessary insights about where you're relocating.

Washington DCSanta Ana
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokeTacos
Most popular meat dishMumbo sauce wingsCarne asada
Most popular street food itemJumbo slice pizzaStreet tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan chiliVegan tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • 4th Street Market
  • Taco María
  • Playground
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Washington DC, the culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering an array of dishes from around the world. The half-smoke, a local delicacy available at places like Ben's Chili Bowl, symbolizes the city's unique food identity. Moving to Santa Ana, the Mexican influence is unmistakable with its vibrant street food scene dominated by tacos, especially the renowned carne asada. Santa Ana's Taco María stands out for its innovative approach to traditional dishes. Transitioning from the bustling streets of Washington DC to the laid-back vibes of Santa Ana, you'll find the culinary exploration to be an exciting aspect of your new locale.

Washington DC vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often begins at the dinner table, where the flavors and atmosphere can make anywhere feel like home. This comparison of top restaurants from Washington DC to Santa Ana will guide you in discovering your next favorite dining spots, using your current local favorites as a reference point.

Washington DCSanta AnaWhat You'll Love
Le DiplomateLa Petite SourieOffers a similarly upscale French dining experience with a focus on classic dishes.
ZaytinyaIstanbul Grill CaliforniaProvides an authentic Mediterranean taste with a diverse menu reminiscent of Zaytinya’s.
RasikaAdyaContemporary Indian flavors that mirror Rasika’s innovative approach to traditional dishes.
Ben's Chili BowlSanta Ana's Benjies DeliIconic diner vibes with hearty, comfort food staples.
Fiola MareThe Harbor GrillSeafood offerings and a sophisticated atmosphere that rivals Fiola Mare’s waterfront dining experience.
Rose's LuxuryPlaygroundOffers a creative and ever-changing menu of American cuisine, akin to the experience at Rose's Luxury.
Little SerowBamboo BistroKnown for its Southeast Asian cuisine, providing a similar intimate and flavorful dining journey.
The DabneyMix Mix Kitchen BarShowcases local and seasonal ingredients in inventive dishes, reflecting The Dabney’s commitment to regional foods.
2 AmysIl Dolce PizzeriaAuthentic Neapolitan pizzas that attract aficionados just as 2 Amys does in DC.
Bad SaintIreniaOffers elevated Filipino cuisine that brings the innovative and bold flavors similar to what one finds at Bad Saint.

When searching for dining experiences that resonate with the culinary diversity of Washington DC, Santa Ana emerges with captivating options. Discover the vibrant and authentic Mediterranean flavors at Istanbul Grill California, reminiscent of the lively dining atmosphere found at Zaytinya. For those craving the warmth of Indian spices complemented by an innovative twist, Adya presents a compelling counterpart to Rasika's esteemed menu. Meanwhile, seafood enthusiasts who relish the sophisticated, waterfront dining experience of Fiola Mare will find solace at The Harbor Grill, where the freshness of the sea is served in an elegantly casual setting. Each of these establishments in Santa Ana provides a unique dining adventure, promising to make your transition from Washington DC not just a change in location, but an expansion of your culinary horizons.

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Ready to start your move?

Washington DC vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscape between Washington DC and Santa Ana is crucial. This comparison sheds light on housing costs, architectural styles, and the overall lifestyle you can expect in each city, helping you make an informed decision.

ComparisonWashington DCSanta Ana
Typical Architecture StyleFederal and VictorianSpanish Colonial Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Metro, historic charmProximity to beaches, family-friendly

The numbers reveal that Santa Ana's median home price is slightly higher than Washington DC's, although rental costs are somewhat lower. This suggests a tight housing market in both cities but with variances in cost of living and housing availability. Architecture enthusiasts might appreciate the contrast between Washington DC's Federal and Victorian styles and Santa Ana's distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival aesthetics. Furthermore, while Washington DC boasts higher walkability, Santa Ana offers superior bikeability, indicating a potential preference for cyclists. These distinctions paint a broader picture of lifestyle differences between the two, with Santa Ana leaning more towards a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, contrasted by Washington DC's urban vibrancy and historical allure.

Washington DC vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations

When planning a move, understanding the weather differences between your current location and your destination is crucial. This comparison between Washington DC and Santa Ana highlights key climatic variances. It's designed to prepare you for what to expect and help you adjust to your new surroundings.

Summer icon
87°F / 71°F

Washington DC, DC

83°F / 64°F

Santa Ana, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 29°F

Washington DC, DC

70°F / 48°F

Santa Ana, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40.8"

Washington DC, DC

13.2"

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15.4"

Washington DC, DC

0"

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonWashington DCSanta Ana
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Washington DC to Santa Ana brings a significant change in weather, especially in terms of sunshine and winter temperatures. Santa Ana enjoys more sunny days and milder winters, making it an appealing destination for those looking to escape the colder, more variable climate of Washington DC. However, it's worth noting that Santa Ana faces different natural disaster risks, including earthquakes and wildfires, compared to the hurricanes and floods of Washington DC. Additionally, the drastic decrease in annual rainfall and absence of snow in Santa Ana compared to Washington DC highlights the stark contrast in precipitation between these two cities.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move, understanding how your finances will adjust is crucial. Comparing the financial landscape of Washington DC and Santa Ana offers insight into the cost of living, taxation, and economic conditions you'll encounter. This comparison aims to prepare you for the financial transition.

ComparisonWashington DCSanta Ana
Avg. Household Income$90,088$80,265
Cost of Living Index140.1136.4
State Income Tax8.59.3
Avg. Property Tax0.560.72
Avg. Sales Tax6.07.75
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Professional Services, EducationManufacturing, Retail, Education
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessSignificantSignificant

When transitioning from Washington DC to Santa Ana, you'll find certain financial aspects like average household income and the cost of living index are notably different. While Santa Ana enjoys a slightly lower cost of living index, it also exhibits a moderately lower average household income compared to Washington DC. However, state and sales taxes are slightly higher in California, affecting your net income. The industrial landscape shifts from a government and professionally driven economy in DC to a more diverse manufacturing, retail, and education-focused economy in Santa Ana. This could influence job opportunities based on your sector. Also, affluence and poverty levels adjust with the move, indicating a different socio-economic environment that might influence community services and support systems available to you.

Washington DC vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from one city to another, understanding the lay of the land politically and religiously can be quite enlightening. This guide provides a comparison of the politics between Washington DC & Santa Ana , offering a quick snapshot of what you might expect from your new neighbors in both political leanings and religious affiliations.

Washington DCSanta Ana
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticDemocratic leaning
Local PoliticsFocus on federal government proximityEmphasis on local government and community issues
ReligionDiverse religious landscapeHigh Catholic population, diverse religious communities

In comparison, residents of Washington DC generally show strong Democratic support, influenced by the city's close ties to federal government operations and decisions that impact the nation and world. This is slightly different in Santa Ana, where the Democratic leaning persists yet with a stronger emphasis on local governance and community issues. Religion in Santa Ana has a significant representation of Catholic followers, reflective of its diverse community, which is similar to Washington DC's broad religious landscape. If you're moving from Washington DC to Santa Ana, expect to find a community engaged in local politics with a rich mosaic of religious affiliations that might differ yet share similarities in terms of overall diversity.

Washington DC vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Washington DC to Santa Ana, CA? This guide will help you better understand the daily commute and traffic is like by comparing the traffic and transportation options between Washington DC & Santa Ana. Knowing these differences will prepare you for the change in your daily travel.

ComparisonWashington DCSanta Ana
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)34.425.6
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesNo

In Washington DC, the public transportation system is highly regarded, with options like the Metro and various bus services making it possible to live without a personal vehicle. In contrast, Santa Ana, while having public transit options such as OCTA buses, isn't as transit-friendly, making a car almost a necessity for getting around efficiently. Another notable difference is the average commute time; Washington DC has a noticeably longer commute time compared to Santa Ana, which can be attributed to the higher traffic congestion in the nation's capital.

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