Best Chicago to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
If you're moving from Chicago to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,077 mile move from Illinois to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 45 Chicago to Santa Ana 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 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago 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.
Best Chicago to Santa Ana Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Terry Moving & Storage | 9.36 | 9.2 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.33 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Chicago to Santa Ana
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,077 miles from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $3,547 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Santa Ana move is roughly $8,562. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,380 | 300 ft³ | 7.93 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,547 | 450 ft³ | 7.88 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,875 | 750 ft³ | 7.83 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,562 | 1100 ft³ | 7.78 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,373 | 1600 ft³ | 7.73 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $13,830 | 1800 ft³ | 7.68 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Ana to Chicago guide.
Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Santa Ana Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Pure Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Terry Moving & Storage
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 649215 / 306297 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 11 |
| Registered Drivers | 11 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 315,000 (2022) |
606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60607
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave
Chicago, IL, 60641
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
A1 Movers, Inc
315 S Harrison St
Geneva, IL, 60134
About A1 Movers, Inc
A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...
Services
- LOCAL MOVES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVES
- PACKING SERVICES
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3309154 / 1055273 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,800 (2024) |
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.
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.
Chicago vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison chart to compare local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Santa Ana, CA , helping you find a new neighborhood similar to what you love about your current one. This guide aims to make you feel more at home in Santa Ana by drawing parallels with Chicago's top neighborhoods.
| Chicago | Santa Ana | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Floral Park | Historic homes, community-focused |
| Wicker Park | French Park | Artsy vibe, historic buildings |
| The Loop | Downtown Santa Ana | Urban center, cultural attractions |
| Gold Coast | West Floral Park | Affluent, quiet residential area |
| Old Town | Heninger Park | Historic charm, community events |
| Hyde Park | Washington Square | Diverse, academic atmosphere |
| Andersonville | Wilshire Square | Diverse, vibrant community feel |
| Lakeview | Morrison Park | Family-friendly, access to recreation |
| River North | Arts District | Trendy, creative hub |
| Logan Square | Eastside | Dynamic mix of dining and nightlife |
In Floral Park, similar to Lincoln Park, you'll find streets lined with historic homes and a strong sense of community among residents, mirroring the neighborly feel of Chicago's north side. For those drawn to the artsy and eclectic vibe of Wicker Park, French Park's historic buildings and cultural events offer a similar charm. Downtown Santa Ana and The Loop share the hustle and bustle of urban life, complete with cultural attractions, dining, and nightlife. Meanwhile, the serene, affluent atmosphere of Gold Coast finds its counterpart in West Floral Park's quiet, residential streets. Lastly, if Logan Square's vibrant dining and nightlife scene is what you're leaving behind, Eastside Santa Ana's dynamic mix of restaurants, cafes, and bars will make you feel right at home.
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 Chicago to Santa Ana
Moving across the county brings its mixed bag of experiences. This guide is designed to offer an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA , highlighting the shifts in lifestyle and environment you’re likely to encounter. Through comparing key factors, we aim to smooth your transition and help you weigh your decision with a clear perspective.
Chicago, IL- Cold winters
- High taxes
- Urban congestion
- Higher crime rates
Santa Ana, CA- Mild winters
- Lower taxes
- Less traffic
- Lower crime rates
Santa Ana, CA- Less food diversity
- Fewer cultural venues
- Car-dependent
- Smaller job market
Chicago, IL- Diverse cuisine
- Rich culture
- Better public transport
- Larger job market
Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy milder winters and potentially lower living costs due to less taxation. While Chicago's vibrant cultural scene and diverse culinary offerings are unmatched, Santa Ana provides a quieter environment with less congestion and lower crime rates, making it a serene place to live. However, relocating means adjusting to a more car-dependent lifestyle and a smaller job market. Santa Ana, with its beautiful parks like Santiago Park and unique attractions such as the Bowers Museum, still offers plenty of appeal. Whether you’re craving the excitement of nearby beaches or the tranquility of local eateries like 4th Street Market, Santa Ana can be the refreshing new start you’re looking for.
Chicago vs. Santa Ana Food Guide
Relocating not only involves a change of scenery but also a profound shift in lifestyle, particularly when it comes to food—which is a crucial part of local culture. To help you navigate this transition, we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Santa Ana . This will give you a better understanding of the culinary landscape awaiting you.
| Chicago | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef Sandwich | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Elote |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan | Tofu Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In moving to Santa Ana, you'll find a vibrant food scene deeply influenced by Mexican cuisine, with tacos and carne asada being local favorites. The city is peppered with food trucks offering an array of choices including the popular elote, found in areas like the bustling 4th Street Market. For vegan options, Tofu Tacos from local spots are a must-try. Health and fitness are also more pronounced here, reflected in Santa Ana's higher scores in health conscientiousness, which complements its ample vegan offerings. Not to mention, the abundance of food trucks makes exploring Santa Ana's culinary landscape an exciting adventure.
Chicago vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison
As you plan your move from Chicago to Santa Ana, finding new favorite eateries is essential for making your new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison will bridge your culinary journey from Chicago to Santa Ana , ensuring a seamless transition in satisfying your palate with familiar flavors and experiences. Let this serve as your guide to discovering your next go-to dining spots.
| Chicago | Santa Ana | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Anepalco | Both offer innovative dining experiences with a focus on presentation and flavors. |
| Girl & The Goat | Playground | Similar approach to creative, eclectic dishes in a bustling atmosphere. |
| Portillo's | Portillo's | Offers a comparable menu, including the iconic Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef. |
| Giordano’s | Tony's Little Italy | Known for their deep-dish pizza, mirroring Giordano’s Chicago-style pie. |
| Lou Malnati’s | Rances Chicago Pizza | Another spot for authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza in the heart of California. |
| The Purple Pig | Crave | Both are renowned for their charcuterie and small plates ideal for sharing. |
| Au Cheval | The Cut | Gourmet burgers that can stand up to the high-quality and taste of Au Cheval’s offerings. |
| Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Santa Monica Seafood | Offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes, comparable to Joe’s high standards. |
| Frontera Grill | El Mercado Modern Cuisine | Both celebrate high-quality, innovative Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. |
| Pequod’s Pizza | Brick | Offers artisanal pizzas with a unique twist, akin to Pequod's approach to deep-dish. |
While Chicago is known for its iconic culinary scene, ranging from deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s to innovative dining at Alinea, Santa Ana's vibrant food landscape offers compelling counterparts that promise to delight your taste buds. For instance, the transition from the deep-dish marvels of Lou Malnati’s to the authentic Chicago pizza at Rances Chicago Pizza in Santa Ana ensures the continuity of indulging in hearty, cheese-laden pies. Similarly, if the eclectic and bold flavors of Girl & The Goat are what you crave, Playground presents an imaginative menu in a vibrant setting that echoes Chicago's dynamic culinary scene. This comparison not only offers a roadmap to satisfying familiar cravings but also introduces the unique gastronomic delights that make Santa Ana an exciting culinary destination.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate plays a crucial role when planning a move, offering insights into the living standards of a new city. When considering a relocation, comparing the real estate markets between Chicago, IL and Santa Ana, CA, proves invaluable, helping you understand how housing options, costs, and lifestyles differ. This comparison aims to highlight the key aspects of each city's housing market to make your transition smoother.
| Comparison | Chicago | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and historical mix | Ranch and Spanish Colonial Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to public transit and waterfront views | Open floor plans and outdoor living spaces |
When you compare housing between Chicago and Santa Ana, it becomes clear that both cities offer distinct living experiences influenced by their local real estate markets. Chicago's mix of modern and historical architecture attracts those interested in a diverse urban environment, with properties often highlighting proximity to public transit and iconic lakefront views. Santa Ana, on the other hand, tends to offer homes with open floor plans and emphasis on outdoor living spaces, reflecting Southern California's sunny climate and the popular ranch and Spanish Colonial architecture styles of the area. Furthermore, moving from Chicago to Santa Ana, you'll notice a significant difference in housing costs, with Santa Ana presenting a higher median home price and monthly rent, a factor that could greatly influence your decision.
Chicago vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations
Moving between different climates can be a big adjustment. Examining weather differences between Chicago, IL, and Santa Ana, CA will help you prepare for the change. It's crucial to understand how these variations may impact your daily life and activities.
Chicago, IL
Santa Ana, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Santa Ana, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good to Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Severe Storms | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana involves adjusting from a variable midwestern climate to a more stable Mediterranean climate. You’ll leave behind the harsh winters, including significant snowfall and cold temperatures, for mild winters and more sunny days. However, be prepared for a higher UV index in Santa Ana, encouraging more diligent sun protection. While both cities enjoy moderate air quality, Santa Ana generally experiences fewer days of compromised air quality compared to Chicago. Adjusting to the lower annual rainfall and almost non-existent snow will also be a considerable change, making for an overall drier experience.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial environment will change. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of what you can expect in terms of money and finance when transitioning between these two cities.
| Comparison | Chicago | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $80,265 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.12 | 0.72 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 7.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
| Poverty | Significant | Moderate |
| Homelessness | High | High |
Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana, you'll find differences in financial aspects that may impact your daily life. The average household income is higher in Santa Ana, potentially offsetting the increased cost of living index, which stands significantly higher than that of Chicago. State and sales taxes in California are higher, which can affect your overall disposable income. However, property taxes are considerably lower in Santa Ana, presenting an advantage for homeowners. Additionally, the economic environment differs, with both cities boasting robust healthcare and manufacturing industries but differing in other leading sectors. Understanding these nuances will help you prepare financially for your move.
Chicago vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison
This quick guide offers an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents moving from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA. It aims to provide a clear picture of the kind of community you might be moving into, highlighting the diversity and differences between these two cities.
| Chicago | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic majority | Liberal/Democratic majority |
| Local Politics | City of Chicago Government | City of Santa Ana Government |
| Religion | Diverse; Christianity predominant | Diverse; Christianity predominant |
In both Chicago and Santa Ana, you'll find a liberal or Democratic majority shaping the political landscape. Despite this similarity, the local politics and governance may feel different as you transition from the politics of Chicago to those in Santa Ana. Religion plays an integral role in community life within both cities, with a strong prevalence of Christianity. However, both cities boast a diverse religious landscape, allowing for a multitude of faith communities and interfaith dialogues. This diversity extends to cultural events, food, and social services, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the inclusive nature of both cities.
Chicago vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA means adapting to a new daily commute. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Santa Ana will help you better understand what to expect and how to adjust your routine.
| Comparison | Chicago | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 24 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possibly, with effort | Challenging |
Chicago is renowned for its robust public transit system, led by the Chicago Transit Authority, making it easier to get by without a car compared to Santa Ana, where public transit is less pervasive and at times less convenient. While Santa Ana enjoys slightly less traffic congestion and shorter average commute times, relying on public transportation or getting around without a car can be more challenging. Adapting to Santa Ana may require acquiring a vehicle or becoming familiar with its Orange County Transportation Authority services to navigate the city effectively.
Additional Resources
Chicago Moving Services
Popular Chicago to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources
