Best St. Paul to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from St. Paul to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,915 mile move from Minnesota to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 29 St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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 | Metro Movers | 9.49 | 9.73 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
3 | Terry Moving & Storage | 9.36 | 9.2 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | General Expert Moving Service LLC | 9.26 | 8.89 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Goal Line Moving | 9.25 | 9.42 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from St. Paul to Santa Ana
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,915 miles from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $3,410 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom St. Paul to Santa Ana move is roughly $8,225. 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 | $2,288 | 300 ft³ | 7.63 |
1 Bedroom | $3,410 | 450 ft³ | 7.58 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,645 | 750 ft³ | 7.53 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,225 | 1100 ft³ | 7.48 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,883 | 1600 ft³ | 7.43 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,279 | 1800 ft³ | 7.38 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Ana to St. Paul guide.
Compare the 5 Best St. Paul 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) |

Metro Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3742268 / 1503884 Authorized For Property Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 3 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 16,000 (2023) |

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) |

General Expert Moving Service LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2846187 / 1285395 Authorized For HHG Carrier/Shipper |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
Registered Drivers | 24 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2024) |

Goal Line Moving
Plymouth, MN
About Goal Line Moving
Located in Ham Lake, MN, Goal Line Moving is a family-owned and operated company with four years in the business and...
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2926126 / 1088400 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (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.
St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. We've made it easier by comparing the top neighborhoods between St. Paul, MN & Santa Ana, CA . This guide helps you find a comparable neighborhood in Santa Ana, giving you a baseline of what to expect based on your current preferences in St. Paul.
St. Paul | Santa Ana | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Summit Hill | Floral Park | Historic homes, community-focused |
Highland Park | Park Santiago | Family-friendly, outdoor spaces |
Macalester-Groveland | Washington Square | Academic vibe, historic architecture |
Lowertown | Downtown Santa Ana | Artsy, vibrant nightlife |
Merriam Park | West Floral Park | Quiet, well-manicured lawns |
Cathedral Hill | French Park | Elegant, with architectural charm |
Como Park | Thornton Park | Recreational activities, family-friendly |
Dayton's Bluff | Heninger Park | Diverse, with historic significance |
St. Anthony Park | Wilshire Square | Quiet, community-oriented |
Hamline-Midway | Artesia Pilar | Lively, community engagement |
In comparing neighborhoods from St. Paul, MN, to Santa Ana, CA, you'll find unique qualities that may remind you of home while embracing the new. For instance, if you're drawn to Summit Hill's historic homes and cohesive community vibe, Floral Park in Santa Ana offers a similar environment, where residents cherish its architectural charm and strong neighborly spirit. Outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate Highland Park's extensive parklands and family-friendly atmosphere will find a kindred spirit in Park Santiago, known for its leafy streets and proximity to Santiago Park's vast open spaces. Meanwhile, art lovers and nightlife aficionados transitioning from Lowertown will be enamored with Downtown Santa Ana's lively arts scene, eclectic dining options, and vibrant bars, mirroring a rich cultural and social tapestry. Each area, from the academic ambiance in Macalester-Groveland matched by Washington Square’s historic buildings and proximity to educational institutions, to the laid-back, community-focused energy of Merriam Park mirrored in West Floral Park, accentuates how moving between these cities can reveal familiar comforts in new settings.

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 St. Paul to Santa Ana
Moving from one city to another can be a life-changing decision. This comparison aims to show an honest reflection of moving from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA , carefully weighing the good and the bad aspects. Understanding these contrasts will help facilitate a smoother transition, ensuring you're well-informed about what to anticipate from your relocation.
- Colder Winters
- Far from Beaches
- Smaller City
- Warmer Climate
- Close to Beaches
- Larger Urban Area
- Less Historical
- Less Seasonal Variety
- Higher Cost of Living
- Rich History
- Seasonal Changes
- Lower Cost of Living
Moving from St. Paul to Santa Ana presents a stark contrast in weather, with Santa Ana offering a warmer climate that allows for an extended outdoor lifestyle, highly beneficial for those disenchanted by the harsh Minnesota winters. The proximity to stunning beaches, such as Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, adds a resort-like feeling to everyday life. Santa Ana's vibrant downtown, brimming with diverse eateries like 4th Street Market, provides a cornucopia of flavors and communal spaces not found in St. Paul. However, this shift comes with a higher cost of living, though many find the access to year-round outdoor activities and the dynamic cultural scene in areas such as the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park and Bowers Museum an equitable trade-off. Embracing Santa Ana means adapting to its energetic pulse and leveraging the countless opportunities for growth and exploration.
St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between St. Paul, MN & Santa Ana, CA. Understanding food is crucial to getting a sense of local culture and lifestyle. Let's explore the food scene to help you get acquainted with your new home.
St. Paul | Santa Ana | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Walleye | Tacos |
Most popular meat dish | Juicy Lucy burger | Carnitas |
Most popular street food item | Food Truck Fare | Elote |
Most popular vegan food | Wild Rice Bowl | Vegan Tacos |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In St. Paul, the Juicy Lucy burger offers a taste of local innovation with its cheese-stuffed patty, a dish best enjoyed in the cozy pubs scattered around the city. Over in Santa Ana, the bustling 4th Street Market showcases the city's vibrant foodie scene, including a variety of vegan options, reflecting the area's health-conscious lifestyle. Vibrant food trucks line Santa Ana's streets, offering everything from traditional tacos to inventive vegan eats, highlighting the city's diverse culinary landscape. Whether you crave a serene dining experience in St. Paul or the dynamic flavors of Santa Ana, both cities promise to deliver satisfying and memorable meals.
St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison
When relocating from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA, finding your new favorite dining spots is crucial for feeling at home. This comparison charts the top restaurants in St. Paul to their counterparts in Santa Ana, enabling you to discover culinary delights that mirror your tastes and preferences from back home.
St. Paul | Santa Ana | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Meritage | La Super Birria | Known for fine French cuisine with a Californian flair |
The Lexington | Playground | Upscale American eatery with a creative menu |
Heartland | Crave | Offering farm-to-table dining that matches Heartland's commitment to local sourcing |
Cossetta's | Burritos La Palma | Famous for their authentic Zacetecas-style burritos, echoing Cossetta's dedication to traditional recipes |
Mancini's Char House | Meat on Ocean | A steakhouse experience that rivals Mancini's in quality and ambiance |
Brasa Premium Rotisserie | Pollo Norteño | Specializes in rotisserie chicken with a unique blend of seasonings |
Mickey's Diner | Norms Restaurant | Iconic diner that captures the essence of American comfort food like Mickey's |
The Buttered Tin | Breakfast Republic | Offers a creative breakfast menu that fans of The Buttered Tin will adore |
Tanpopo Noodle Shop | Hako | A Japanese restaurant specializing in ramen and noodles, reminiscent of Tanpopo's offerings |
Khyber Pass Cafe | Kabab Grill | Highlighting Middle Eastern cuisine with a passion for flavors that mirrors Khyber Pass |
While transitioning from the historic charm of St. Paul to the vibrant streets of Santa Ana, your culinary journey doesn't have to start from scratch. For instance, Heartland's commitment to locally sourced, farm-to-table dining is mirrored by Crave, ensuring that your support for sustainable eating habits can continue seamlessly in Santa Ana. If your comfort food in St. Paul was the authentic Zacetecas-style burritos at Cossetta's, then Burritos La Palma in Santa Ana will be your go-to for filling that void with its equally revered traditional recipes. Moreover, transitioning from the cozy, communal atmosphere of Mickey's Diner to the iconic Norms Restaurant provides a semblance of continuity in your dining experiences, ensuring that your move is flavorful in every aspect.

Ready to start your move?
St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current and future city is crucial. This guide focuses on real estate aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle, providing a detailed comparison between St. Paul, MN, and Santa Ana, CA. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision.
Comparison | St. Paul | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Victorian, Craftsman | Spanish Colonial, Modern |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to parks, Quiet neighborhoods | Close to beaches, Vibrant community life |
The difference in median home prices and rents between St. Paul and Santa Ana crucially impacts your budget. Santa Ana's higher cost of living is balanced by its vibrant community life and proximity to beaches, making it an appealing option for those seeking an urban lifestyle. St. Paul, with its more affordable housing options, features Victorian and Craftsman-style homes, emphasizing quiet neighborhoods and green spaces. Both cities cater to outdoor enthusiasts, albeit in very different landscapes and climates, offering unique living experiences tailored to personal preferences.
St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations
When considering a move from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA, understanding how the weather differs is crucial. This comparison will help you anticipate changes and prepare accordingly. Knowing what to expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, and other weather-related factors is essential for a smooth transition.
St. Paul, MN
Santa Ana, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
St. Paul, MN
Santa Ana, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
St. Paul, MN
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
St. Paul, MN
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | St. Paul | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Extreme Cold | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
Days of Sunshine per Year | 198 days | 280 days |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Transitioning from the cold, snowy winters of St. Paul to the mild, sunny climate of Santa Ana can be a welcome change for many. However, it's important to prepare for less tangible differences, such as the increased UV index and different allergens in Santa Ana. While St. Paul residents are accustomed to preparing for snowstorms, you'll need to shift your focus towards earthquake and wildfire preparedness after the move. Additionally, Santa Ana enjoys significantly more sunny days per year, offering ample opportunities to explore the outdoors year-round.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from St. Paul to Santa Ana
When planning a move, it’s crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial environment of your new location compares to your current one. This comparison between St. Paul, MN, and Santa Ana, CA, focuses on key financial aspects that will influence your life post-move. Knowing these differences will help you make an informed decision and prepare accordingly.
Comparison | St. Paul | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $66,098 | $80,265 |
Cost of Living Index | 110 | 136.4 |
State Income Tax | 5.35 - 9.85 | 1 - 13.3 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.28 | 0.72 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.625 | 7.75 |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing | Manufacturing, Retail, Education |
Affluence | moderate | varied |
Poverty | notable | significant |
Homelessness | concerning | critical |
Moving from St. Paul to Santa Ana, you'll notice a significant difference in the cost of living, with Santa Ana being considerably more expensive. Although the average household income is slightly higher in Santa Ana, the state income tax can be notably higher based on your income bracket, potentially offsetting the increased earnings. The sales tax rates are quite comparable, with a slight edge going to Santa Ana. Despite the lower property tax rate in Santa Ana, housing costs can be substantially higher, influenced by the state's overall higher cost of living index and demanding real estate market. This along with the fact that both cities have major industries that differ, with equaled emphasis on education, presents a nuanced choice regarding employment opportunities and living standards.
St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA, understanding the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between St. Paul & Santa Ana can provide you with a comprehensive snapshot of the demographics. This comparison will help in acclimatizing to your new home.
St. Paul | Santa Ana | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal | Liberal |
Local Politics | City Government | City Government |
Religion | Diverse, with a significant Catholic presence | Diverse, with a significant Catholic and Protestant presence |
In both St. Paul and Santa Ana, you'll find a political landscape that leans liberal, which might make the transition smoother if you share similar views. The local government structures of both cities actively support their communities through various services and initiatives accessible via their official websites. Religion plays a vital role in the multicultural tapestries of both cities. St. Paul has a strong Catholic presence, reflecting in its numerous churches and communities. Santa Ana, while also diverse in religious practice, has a notable Catholic and Protestant presence, illustrating the broad spectrum of faiths and belief systems embraced by its residents. This diversity not only enriches the cultural fabric of the city but also offers new residents a variety of religious communities to join.
St. Paul vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from St. Paul, MN to Santa Ana, CA involves adjusting to new daily commutes and understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options. This guide aims to provide an overview of what you can expect in terms of your daily travels in these two cities.
Comparison | St. Paul | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22.5 | 24.8 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | Possible, but challenging | More feasible, especially in downtown areas |
The average commute time in Santa Ana is slightly longer than in St. Paul, which could be attributed to the denser traffic congestion California cities are known for. Despite the congestion, Santa Ana offers a better public transit system compared to St. Paul, making it somewhat easier to get around without a car, particularly in its downtown areas and immediate surroundings. However, in both cities, relying solely on public transport can present challenges, but it's more manageable in Santa Ana if you plan your routes well. Understanding and adapting to these differences will be key to making your transition smoother.



Additional Resources
St. Paul Moving Services
Popular St. Paul to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources