Best Minneapolis to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Minneapolis to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,908 mile move from Minnesota to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 32 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Santa Ana Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
2Metro Movers9.499.73Authorized For PropertyContact
3Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
4General Expert Moving Service LLC9.278.89Authorized For HHGContact
5Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI9.198.26ActiveContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Minneapolis to Santa Ana

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,908 miles from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $3,404 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Minneapolis to Santa Ana move is roughly $8,210. 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$2,284300 ft³7.61
1 Bedroom$3,404450 ft³7.56
2 Bedrooms$5,635750 ft³7.51
3 Bedrooms$8,2101100 ft³7.46
4 Bedrooms$11,8621600 ft³7.41
5+ Bedrooms$13,2551800 ft³7.36
*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 Minneapolis guide.

Compare the 5 Best Minneapolis 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
Metro Movers Logo

Metro Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 1,008+ 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 12/21/2024)

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

Exceptional9.36/10
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 12/21/2024)

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

Exceptional9.27/10
based on 528+ 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
Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI Logo

Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.19/10
based on 331+ data points

3019 Bryant Ave S # 203

Minneapolis, MN, 55408

About Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI

Exercise Equipment Installation (EEI) has been providing quality service since 1995, specializing in professional and reliable disassembly, assembly, and installation of...

Services

  • Exercise Equipment Moving
  • Exercise Equipment Disassembly
  • Exercise Equipment Assembly

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 3/14/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3914686 / -

Active

CARRIER

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers-
Total Annual Miles Moved-
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.

Minneapolis vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison

In your journey from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA, understanding the neighborhood dynamics can significantly ease the transition. This guide aims to compare popular Minneapolis, MN & Santa Ana, CA neighborhoods , helping you find a slice of familiarity in a new city. Let these comparisons serve as your roadmap to discovering your next home.

MinneapolisSanta AnaHow They're Similar
Linden HillsFloral ParkHistoric homes, community feel
UptownFrench ParkArtsy, vibrant nightlife
NortheastWest Floral ParkDiverse, artistic community
North LoopDowntown Santa AnaTrendy, loft living
South MinneapolisWilshire SquareFamily-friendly, suburban feel
Lowry HillPark SantiagoLush green spaces, historic
KenwoodFloral ParkUpscale, serene environment
Bryn MawrWashington SquareQuiet, close-knit community
Prospect ParkHeninger ParkHistoric homes, tight-knit community
WhittierFisher ParkCulturally rich, diverse

If you've loved spending time in Linden Hills with its quaint shops and picturesque views of Lake Harriet, Floral Park's historic homes and tight community will feel familiar. Similarly, Uptown's eclectic dining scene and vibrant nightlife find a counterpart in French Park, where the energy is equally inviting with its array of cafes and galleries. Northeast's rich tapestry of cultures and art studios echoes in West Floral Park, offering a diverse community that's passionate about local arts. Meanwhile, the historic charm and greenspaces of Lowry Hill are mirrored in Park Santiago, where tree-lined streets and meticulous care for historical preservation create a serene living environment. Whether it's the cozy cafés, unique boutiques, or community events, each neighborhood offers its own slice of comfort for those looking to make Santa Ana their new home.

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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 Minneapolis to Santa Ana

Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA brings its share of changes, both positive and negative. This comparison is designed to offer an honest reflection of Minneapolis to Santa Ana relocation , showcasing how some aspects of life will shift for the better, while others may present new challenges. Understanding these differences will help ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

CONs
PROs
Minneapolis, MN iconMinneapolis, MN
  • Cold winters
  • Less diversity
  • Smaller tech scene
  • Fewer beaches
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Sunny weather
  • More diversity
  • Larger tech industry
  • Beaches nearby
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Less green space
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller arts scene
  • More traffic
Minneapolis, MN iconMinneapolis, MN
  • Lakes and parks
  • Affordable housing
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Less traffic

In Minneapolis, the abundance of lakes and parks such as the Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Park offers numerous outdoor activities right at your doorstep, something that's more limited in Santa Ana. However, Santa Ana boasts a warm, sunny climate almost year-round, inviting you to explore beautiful beaches such as Huntington Beach and Newport Beach just a short drive away. While Minneapolis' vibrant arts scene is celebrated at establishments like the Walker Art Center and Guthrie Theater, Santa Ana also offers its unique cultural gems, including the Bowers Museum and the vibrant Fourth Street Market. The tech industry's presence in Santa Ana, rooted in the larger Orange County and nearby Silicon Valley, presents more career opportunities in tech compared to Minneapolis. However, this comes with the trade-off of a higher cost of living and more traffic in Santa Ana, contrasting Minneapolis' more affordable and tranquil lifestyle.

Minneapolis vs. Santa Ana Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Minneapolis & Santa Ana is essential for understanding the culinary landscape you’re moving into. Food greatly influences the local culture and lifestyle, providing a taste of what life is like in your new home.

MinneapolisSanta Ana
Most iconic local food itemHotdishTacos
Most popular meat dishWalleyeCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemJucy LucyElote
Most popular vegan foodGrain BowlsAgua Fresca
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Spoon and Stable
  • Bellecour
  • Matt's Bar
  • Playground
  • 4th Street Market
  • Taco María
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Minneapolis, the iconic Jucy Lucy from Matt's Bar epitomizes the city’s inventive spirit in comfort food, while in Santa Ana, the vibrant Mexican cuisine takes center stage with places like Taco María offering gourmet tacos that have been acclaimed far and wide. Santa Ana's food scene is rich with street food, especially elote, which can be found in lively food markets such as the 4th Street Market. Minneapolis prides itself on a variety of grain bowls and healthy eating options, reflecting the city's fitness and health conscientiousness. Both cities are welcoming to vegans, but Santa Ana, with its abundance of fresh produce and Mexican vegan dishes, provides an exceptional array of vegan options.

Minneapolis vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial part in making a place feel like home. This restaurant comparison will smoothly transition your palate from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA, guiding you to discover new favorite spots that reminisce the flavors of your current hometown favorites.

MinneapolisSanta AnaWhat You'll Love
Spoon and StablePlaygroundKnown for its creative and upscale dishes, mirroring Spoon and Stable's innovative menu.
Bar La GrassaAntonello RistoranteOffers a wide selection of Italian cuisine with a focus on pasta, similar to Bar La Grassa.
Matt's BarTK BurgersA casual eatery known for its burgers, akin to the iconic Jucy Lucy at Matt's Bar.
Al's BreakfastBruxieFamous for its breakfast and brunch offerings, comparable to Al's Breakfast's cozy diner feel.
Bellecour BakeryPorto’s Bakery & CaféKnown for their pastries and desserts, echoing Bellecour's French bakery experience.
112 EateryBurritos La PalmaThough more casual, Burritos La Palma’s emphasis on quality and flavor matches that of 112 Eatery.
RevivalBrew Hawg BBQ & Brewing Co.Both spots are revered for their commitment to American comfort food, with a particular emphasis on BBQ.
Sea Salt EateryBear Flag Fish Co.Offers fresh seafood options that Sea Salt Eatery patrons would appreciate for a coastal twist.
Kado no MiseSushi RokuWhile offering a modern approach to sushi, it captures the traditional essence that Kado no Mise is known for.
ParlourThe Blind PigBoth have a strong cocktail program complemented by a menu of sophisticated pub fare.

For enthusiasts of culinary diversity and unique dining experiences, this comparison reveals a varied and vibrant food scene waiting to be explored in Santa Ana. Playground in Santa Ana emerges as a culinary counterpart to Minneapolis's Spoon and Stable, courting diners with its adventurous and ever-changing menu. Fans of Matt's Bar's Jucy Lucy can find solace in the equally comforting and no-frills burger experience offered by TK Burgers. Seafood lovers transitioning from Sea Salt Eatery will appreciate Bear Flag Fish Co.'s fresh offerings, showcasing the best of coastal dining that's a stone's throw from the beach. Whether your taste leans towards upscale dining or the heartwarming simplicity of a good breakfast diner, Santa Ana's culinary landscape promises a delightful adventure that mirrors the cherished flavors of Minneapolis.

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Ready to start your move?

Minneapolis vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly shapes your living experience when relocating. Understanding how Minneapolis, MN, and Santa Ana, CA, unravel in housing aspects such as cost, architectural style, and living convenience is crucial. This comparison aims at bridging the knowledge gap for a smoother transition.

ComparisonMinneapolisSanta Ana
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, CraftsmanSpanish Colonial, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake proximity, Open floor plansPatio/backyard, Proximity to beaches

When dissecting the housing details, Minneapolis presents itself as a city with a slightly more affordable living option than Santa Ana, reflected in both home prices and rent. The architectural styles also tell a story of the cities’ diverse cultural heritages – with Minneapolis leaning towards Victorian and Craftsman styles that cater to a more classical aesthetic, versus Santa Ana’s Spanish Colonial and modern designs, indicative of California’s rich history and contemporary lifestyle. Furthermore, Minneapolis scores higher in bikeability thanks to its extensive network of bike lanes and trails, such as those around the Chain of Lakes, while Santa Ana offers a unique urban lifestyle closely connected to the vibrant scenes of Southern California and its iconic beaches.

Minneapolis vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations

When considering a move from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA, understanding the weather differences is crucial. This comparison highlights how the two locations contrast in climate and natural conditions . Knowing this can help you prepare for the change and adjust more easily to your new environment.

Summer icon
83/63

Minneapolis, MN

83/64

Santa Ana, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
24/8

Minneapolis, MN

70/48

Santa Ana, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
30.61

Minneapolis, MN

13.33

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
54

Minneapolis, MN

0

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMinneapolisSanta Ana
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, Cold WavesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In moving from the frosty winters and moderately warm summers of Minneapolis to the milder, more temperate climate of Santa Ana, you'll notice significant changes, especially in winter temperatures and snowfall. Santa Ana boasts a greater number of sunny days and a higher UV index year-round, necessitating a stronger emphasis on sun protection. Additionally, while Minneapolis residents brace for snowstorms, in Santa Ana, the concerns shift towards earthquakes and wildfires, highlighting the necessity to prepare for different natural disasters. Air quality in Santa Ana may vary due to wildfires and pollution, contrasting with the generally good air quality in Minneapolis.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how your finances will be impacted is crucial. This comparison between Minneapolis, MN and Santa Ana, CA focuses on various economic factors that will influence your daily life and long-term financial health. It aims to provide a clear overview of what to expect in terms of income, taxes, living costs, and the economic environment of your new home.

ComparisonMinneapolisSanta Ana
Avg. Household Income$69,397$80,265
Cost of Living Index111136.4
State Income Tax5.35 to 9.851 to 13.3
Avg. Property Tax1.280.72
Avg. Sales Tax8.0257.75
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, FinanceTechnology, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessConcerningSevere

When comparing Minneapolis and Santa Ana, it's evident that moving to Santa Ana will introduce a higher cost of living, notably in housing and daily expenses. However, the income tax scenario in California is more complex, with a wider range of rates which could be lower or significantly higher than in Minnesota, depending on your earnings. Despite the higher living costs, Santa Ana’s economy benefits from strong technology and healthcare industries. Potential residents should weigh these factors carefully, considering personal income potential and lifestyle preferences in their decision-making process.

Minneapolis vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be a significant change, especially when it comes to the community and environment you're about to join. This quick comparison aims to give you an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents moving from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA , providing a deeper understanding of the cultural and social dynamics at play in your new home.

MinneapolisSanta Ana
Political Make-upLiberal-leaningLiberal-leaning
Local PoliticsDemocratic strongholdDemocratic, with increasing diversity in political representation
ReligionChristianity dominant, with a diverse religious landscapeMajority Catholic, significant Buddhist and Muslim communities

While both Minneapolis and Santa Ana lean liberal politically, the nuances in local politics and religious composition highlight the diversity and richness of the communities you'll encounter. In Minneapolis, the Democratic Party strongly influences local governance, reflecting a broad spectrum of liberal ideologies. The city also boasts a diverse religious landscape, providing a fertile ground for varied cultural and spiritual experiences. Santa Ana, on the other hand, shares a liberal political leaning but with a significant focus on diversity in political representation. Dominantly Catholic, it also hosts sizeable Buddhist and Muslim communities, inviting a rich intercultural dialogue and communal harmony. Understanding these dynamics will help you navigate your new social circles and community engagements more effectively.

Minneapolis vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA requires understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Minneapolis & Santa Ana will help ease the transition.

ComparisonMinneapolisSanta Ana
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2527
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?PossiblyChallenging

In Minneapolis, the average commute time is slightly shorter than in Santa Ana, reflecting somewhat lesser traffic congestion. The city boasts a more robust public transit system, meaning you could potentially manage without a car. In contrast, Santa Ana presents a greater challenge for those looking to rely solely on public transport, indicating a stronger dependence on personal vehicles. Understanding these nuances ensures a smoother adjustment to your new city's rhythm and lifestyle.

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