Best Rochester to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Rochester to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,653 mile move from New York to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 20 Rochester 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 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Rochester 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 Rochester 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 | Zippboxx | 9.36 | 9.16 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
4 | Interior Moving Services, Inc. | 8.95 | 8.99 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Reliable Movers | 8.92 | 8.81 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Rochester to Santa Ana
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,653 miles from Rochester, NY to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $4,037 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Rochester to Santa Ana move is roughly $9,759. 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 | $2,707 | 300 ft³ | 9.02 |
1 Bedroom | $4,037 | 450 ft³ | 8.97 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,691 | 750 ft³ | 8.92 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,759 | 1100 ft³ | 8.87 |
4 Bedrooms | $14,115 | 1600 ft³ | 8.82 |
5+ Bedrooms | $15,789 | 1800 ft³ | 8.77 |


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

Zippboxx
923 Motor Pkwy
Hauppauge, NY, 11788
About Zippboxx
Zippboxx is a top-rated moving and storage company based in Hauppauge, New York, providing residential and commercial moving services both locally...
Services
- Local movers
- Long Distance Movers
- Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3077817 / 1043860 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2024) |

Interior Moving Services, Inc.

157 La Grange Ave
Rochester, NY, 14613
About Interior Moving Services, Inc.
Located in Rochester, New York, Interior Moving Services has close to three decades of moving expertise, serving both residential and commercial...
Services
- Local residential moving
- Local commercial moving
- Long-distance residential moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1498819 / 600823 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2023) |

Reliable Movers

159 Hardenbergh Ave
Auburn, NY, 13021
About Reliable Movers
Reliable Movers is a family-owned and operated business specializing in moves from New York to Florida. Since 1996, this Auburn-based moving...
Services
- Residential moving, local and long distance
- Commercial factories and offices moving
- Hot tubs, pianos, and gun safes moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1605981 / 837987 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 79,441 (2023) |

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.
Rochester vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've prepared a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Rochester, NY & Santa Ana, CA . This guide will help you find a new home in Santa Ana that feels familiar, using Rochester's neighborhoods as a baseline.
Rochester | Santa Ana | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Park Avenue | Floral Park | Historic homes, vibrant community |
East Avenue | Washington Square | Architectural charm, community-centric |
Highland Park | West Floral Park | Lush parks, serene vibes |
South Wedge | French Park | Eclectic, artsy atmosphere |
North Winton Village | Heninger Park | Historic, close-knit community |
Swillburg | Wilshire Square | Quaint, with a strong sense of community |
Corn Hill | Historic French Park | Aesthetic appeal, cultural richness |
Charlotte | Portola Park | Near waterfront, recreational spaces |
Maplewood | Riverview West | Scenic, family-friendly |
Browncroft | Fairhaven | Historic homes, tree-lined streets |
Floral Park in Santa Ana is akin to Park Avenue in Rochester, offering historic homes and a vibrant community feel, ideal for those who appreciate a blend of architectural beauty and a strong sense of belonging. For those drawn to the lush, serene surroundings of Highland Park, West Floral Park provides an almost identical ambiance with its abundant green spaces and tranquil atmosphere. Fans of South Wedge's eclectic and artsy vibe will find French Park in Santa Ana a perfect match, where the arts and diverse cultural expressions are celebrated amidst unique, historic architectures. These comparisons demonstrate how moving doesn't have to mean leaving the essence of what you love about your old neighborhood behind.

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 Rochester to Santa Ana
Moving from one city to another offers a unique opportunity to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks to make the most informed decision. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the benefits and challenges of relocating from Rochester, NY to Santa Ana, CA, helping you to navigate the significant changes that come with such a move.
- Harsh winters
- Limited entertainment
- Lower job opportunities
- Smaller economy
- Milder climate
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Robust job market
- Larger economy
- Higher cost of living
- Less historical
- More populous
- Less greenery
- Lower cost of living
- Richer history
- Smaller, tight-knit community
- More green spaces
Moving from Rochester, NY to Santa Ana, CA, presents a dynamic shift in lifestyle. Despite the higher cost of living in Santa Ana, many find the trade-off worth it due to the significantly milder climate, which allows for an outdoor lifestyle almost year-round. The economic opportunities in Santa Ana are vast, with thriving sectors such as technology, healthcare, and entertainment. You'll find bustling areas like the Downtown Santa Ana Historic Districts, known for its artsy vibe, delicious eateries like Fourth Street Market, and engaging cultural sites such as the Bowers Museum. Conversely, Rochester's charm lies in its rich history, the sense of community in neighborhoods like Park Avenue, and the abundance of natural beauty in places like Highland Park. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on what you value more: the comfort of community and seasons in Rochester or the bustling, sunny lifestyle of Santa Ana.
Rochester vs. Santa Ana Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Rochester & Santa Ana offers insights into the food culture of both cities. Understanding the local cuisine is pivotal as it reflects the essence of living in these areas. This guide aims to prepare you better for the culinary scene you'll be embracing.
Rochester | Santa Ana | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Garbage Plate | Tacos |
Most popular meat dish | Beef on Weck | Carne Asada |
Most popular street food item | Zweigle's Hot Dog | Elote |
Most popular vegan food | Seitan | Jackfruit Tacos |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While Rochester prides itself on its unique and hearty dishes like the Garbage Plate, found at iconic places such as Nick Tahou Hots, Santa Ana enjoys a vibrant food scene with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and Mexican cuisine, evident in dishes like Carne Asada and Tacos. Santa Ana's culinary landscape is rich and diverse, with an abundance of food trucks like those found around the 4th Street Market, making street food a key component of its food culture. Whether you're exploring Downtown Santa Ana or the Historic 4th Street, you'll find an exciting range of eating options that cater to all palates, including a thriving vegan scene with innovative dishes such as Jackfruit Tacos.
Rochester vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison
As you embark on your relocation journey from Rochester, NY to Santa Ana, CA, discovering the local culinary scene will play a crucial role in transforming your new city into a place that feels like home. This restaurant comparison chart serves to bridge the culinary gap between Rochester and Santa Ana, ensuring you can quickly find new favorites that remind you of the flavors you loved back home. Let this guide act as your culinary compass in making Santa Ana feel like your new home.
Rochester | Santa Ana | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que | Heritage Barbecue | Focus on smoked meats and southern sides |
Roc City Ramen | Ikkousha Ramen | Authentic tonkotsu ramen experience |
Good Luck Restaurant | Playground | Creative and upscale dishes with a playful twist |
Joe Bean Coffee Roasters | Hopper & Burr | Specializes in single-origin coffee and has a minimalistic vibe |
Genesee Brew House | The Good Beer Company | Craft brewery with a range of unique and seasonal brews |
Swan Market | Mattern Sausage & Meats | Offers a variety of European sausages and meats |
Simply Crepes Cafe | Crepes Bonaparte | Delicious crepes with both sweet and savory options |
The Cub Room | Anepalco | A blend of American and Mexican cuisine with a sophisticated flair |
DiBella's Subs | Cortina's Italian Market | Authentic Italian subs and a wide selection of deli items |
Garbage Plate (Nick Tahou Hots) | Burntzilla | Unique mini sliders and hot dogs that offer a playful take on comfort food |
Discovering places like Heritage Barbecue in Santa Ana can satisfy your cravings for smokey, tender meats like those at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Rochester. If you're a coffee enthusiast accustomed to the artisanal brews at Joe Bean Coffee Roasters, Hopper & Burr presents a minimalist haven where the focus is on the quality and origin of every cup. And for those who dined at the Good Luck Restaurant, preferring innovative and upscale dining, Playground in Santa Ana offers a culinary playground where creativity meets quality ingredients, ensuring an exceptional dining experience that echoes Rochester's vibrant food scene.

Ready to start your move?
Rochester vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts
When contemplating a move, comparing the real estate aspects between Rochester, NY, and Santa Ana, CA, is crucial. Understanding differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle can greatly inform your decision-making process.
Comparison | Rochester | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Victorian | Spanish Colonial, Modern |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, Historic charm | Proximity to beaches, Open-floor plans |
Exploring the housing market in Rochester versus Santa Ana reveals notable differences. For starters, Santa Ana's median home price is significantly higher, reflecting California's overall pricier real estate market. However, this cost comes with benefits, such as a higher walkability score, indicating that amenities are closer and more accessible on foot. Santa Ana's emphasis on open-floor plans and proximity to beaches caters to those valuing modern living and the outdoors. Conversely, Rochester offers historic charm with its Colonial and Victorian architecture, alongside larger yards, catering to those seeking traditional aesthetics and more space.
Rochester vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the weather in Rochester will compare to the weather in Santa Ana. This comparison will help you adjust to your new environment more comfortably and prepare for any changes in climate.
Rochester, NY
Santa Ana, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Rochester, NY
Santa Ana, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Rochester, NY
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Rochester, NY
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Rochester | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, High Winds | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
The weather differences between Rochester and Santa Ana highlight the significant change you'll experience, particularly in winter temperatures and snowfall. In Santa Ana, winter is milder, and snow is nonexistent, unlike Rochester's heavy snowfalls. The considerable increase in days of sunshine in Santa Ana offers more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Adjusting to these changes will require a shift in your clothing and possibly your daily routines, especially as you acclimate to the warmer, drier climate of Southern California.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Rochester to Santa Ana
When moving from one city to another, comprehending the shift in financial landscapes is crucial. This comparison between Rochester, NY, and Santa Ana, CA, focuses on various economic factors, providing insights on what you can expect in terms of cost of living, taxes, and general affluence. Understanding these differences will help you plan your finances more effectively.
Comparison | Rochester | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $41,980 | $80,265 |
Cost of Living Index | 100 | 136.4 |
State Income Tax | 6.33 to 10.90 | 1 to 13.3 |
Avg. Property Tax | 3.0 | 0.72 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8 | 7.75 |
Top 3 Industries | Education, Health Services, Manufacturing | Manufacturing, Retail, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | Higher | Lower |
Homelessness | Significant | Significant |
While the average household income in Santa Ana is significantly higher than in Rochester, the cost of living index in Santa Ana stands out as notably higher, indicating the cost of essentials like housing, groceries, and transportation are much steeper. This disparity underscores the importance of factoring in living expenses when considering a move. Despite the higher cost of living in Santa Ana, the lower poverty rates suggest a comparatively affluent community, hinting at economic dynamics beneficial for certain professions. Additionally, the variance in state income and property taxes between these cities suggests a need to review your financial strategy, especially if you are a homeowner or have a higher income bracket.
Rochester vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move from Rochester, NY, to Santa Ana, CA, understanding the local landscape is key. This quick guide offers a comparison of the politics between Rochester & Santa Ana , providing a glimpse into the political and religious makeup of your future neighbors.
Rochester | Santa Ana | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal | Liberal |
Local Politics | Democratic dominance | Democratic influence |
Religion | Diverse; Christian majority | Primarily Christian, significant Catholic presence |
You'll find that both Rochester and Santa Ana boast a liberal political makeup, with a strong Democratic presence in local politics. This similarity could make your transition smoother from a community perspective. However, while both cities have a diverse religious landscape, Santa Ana stands out for its significant Catholic presence, reflecting its rich Hispanic heritage. Understanding these nuances will help you acclimate to your new home and community more effectively.
Rochester vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Rochester, NY to Santa Ana, CA, necessitates understanding the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Rochester & Santa Ana. This insight aims to give you a glimpse into what your daily commute might look like, helping you plan and adjust to your new city more effectively.
Comparison | Rochester | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 21 | 26 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | Possible, but limited | Challenging |
In Rochester, the average commute time is significantly shorter, and traffic congestion is generally less severe compared to Santa Ana. Although Rochester offers a modest level of public transit options, getting around without a car is feasible, albeit with some limitations. On the other hand, Santa Ana, while providing slightly better access to public transit, still presents a challenging environment for those attempting to navigate the city without personal transportation. The higher traffic congestion in Santa Ana reflects its busier nature and underscores the importance of planning for commute times in your daily schedule.



Additional Resources
Rochester Moving Services
Popular Rochester to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources