Best Knoxville to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Knoxville to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,282 mile move from Tennessee to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 19 Knoxville 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 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 | Boundless Moving & Storage | 9.33 | 9.36 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
4 | Buster’s Box’s Moving | 8.98 | 9.01 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
5 | Gouffon Moving & Storage | 8.66 | 8.72 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Knoxville to Santa Ana
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,282 miles from Knoxville, TN to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $3,722 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Knoxville to Santa Ana move is roughly $8,988. 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 | $2,496 | 300 ft³ | 8.32 |
1 Bedroom | $3,722 | 450 ft³ | 8.27 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,166 | 750 ft³ | 8.22 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,988 | 1100 ft³ | 8.17 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,993 | 1600 ft³ | 8.12 |
5+ Bedrooms | $14,527 | 1800 ft³ | 8.07 |


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

Boundless Moving & Storage
5595 N. Lee Hwy
Cleveland, TN, 37312
About Boundless Moving & Storage
Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2798532 / 934519 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 358,520 (2022) |

Buster’s Box’s Moving
5927 John May Dr
Knoxville, TN, 37921
About Buster’s Box’s Moving
Buster’s Box’s Moving is a Knoxville, TN-based moving company that offers a variety of services including local moves, out of state...
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Commercial moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4125824 / 1578852 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2023) |

Gouffon Moving & Storage
1520 Amherst Rd
Knoxville, TN, 37909
About Gouffon Moving & Storage
Family-owned and operated for more than 134 years, Gouffon Moving & Storage offers personalized residential and office moves in East Tennessee....
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving
- Office Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 553340 / 273542 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 17 |
Registered Drivers | 13 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 385,000 (2021) |

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.
Knoxville vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison
Making a move to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison that highlights the similarities between Knoxville, TN & Santa Ana, CA neighborhoods. This guide aims to help you find a new community in Santa Ana that feels like home, using Knoxville as your familiar baseline.
Knoxville | Santa Ana | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Sequoyah Hills | Floral Park | Historic homes, community-oriented |
Fort Sanders | Downtown Santa Ana | Vibrant, young professional scene |
Bearden | Washington Square | Eclectic shops, local dining |
Old North Knoxville | Heninger Park | Historic charm, artistic community |
Westmoreland | West Floral Park | Green spaces, family-friendly |
Island Home Park | Park Santiago | Nature-centric, serene living |
Lindbergh Forest | Wilshire Square | Quiet streets, historic ambiance |
Fourth & Gill | French Park | Cultural diversity, historic homes |
Norwood | Riverview West | Spacious parks, community feel |
South Knoxville | Artesia Pilar | Family-oriented, diverse population |
For those enchanted by the historic homes and tight-knit community of Sequoyah Hills in Knoxville, the Floral Park neighborhood in Santa Ana offers a similar allure with its well-preserved houses and lush gardens. Dining enthusiasts who appreciate Bearden's eclectic mix of local eateries will find Washington Square's vibrant food scene equally inviting, featuring spots like 4th Street Market that highlight the creativity of local chefs. Meanwhile, outdoor lovers residing in Island Home Park's nature-centric environment will relish the tranquility and greenery of Park Santiago, where Santiago Park provides a perfect escape into nature within the city. Each Santa Ana neighborhood mirrors the essence of Knoxville's communities, ensuring newcomers can find a piece of home in their new surroundings.

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 Knoxville to Santa Ana
Moving from one city to another offers a mix of new challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Knoxville, TN to Santa Ana, CA. By examining both sides, you can make a more informed decision about this significant change.
- Lower job opportunities
- Colder winters
- Less diverse cuisine
- Smaller cultural scene
- Higher job market
- Milder winters
- More diverse cuisine
- Larger cultural scene
- Higher cost of living
- Fewer outdoor spaces
- More urban feel
- More traffic congestion
- Lower cost of living
- More outdoor activities
- Close-knit community feel
- Less traffic congestion
When examining the move closer, certain aspects stand out. Santa Ana, with its vibrant cultural scene and diverse cuisine, offers a vast array of dining options from food trucks like Burritos La Palma to upscale restaurants such as The Playground. While Knoxville boasts a more affordable cost of living, Santa Ana counters with greater job opportunities in sectors like technology and entertainment, crucial for those looking to advance their careers. Furthermore, Santa Ana's milder winters allow for year-round enjoyment of its beaches and outdoor amenities like Santiago Park. However, it's crucial to weigh these against higher living costs and increased urban density, which could affect your quality of life. Consideration of these factors will help in making a relocation decision that best suits your lifestyle and needs.
Knoxville vs. Santa Ana Food Guide
Food stands as a significant aspect of local culture and provides a glimpse into what life is like in an area. To help you get acquainted with your new home, we're embarking on a comparison of the local cuisine between Knoxville, TN & Santa Ana, CA , ensuring you're well-informed about the diverse food scene you're moving into.
Knoxville | Santa Ana | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Biscuits and Gravy | Tacos |
Most popular meat dish | BBQ Ribs | Carne Asada |
Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Street Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan BBQ | Vegan Tacos |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When you move to Santa Ana, you'll notice right away the vibrant street food scene, with tacos reigning supreme as both the most iconic local food item and the most popular street food. Specific neighborhoods renowned for their culinary offerings, such as the bustling Fourth Street and the creative ambiance at the 4th Street Market, showcase a diverse range of flavors and dishes. Santa Ana's food scene is also highly inclusive, offering a plethora of vegan options like vegan tacos, which highlight the city's progressive and health-conscious attitude towards food. Not to mention, the abundance of food trucks and the city's high foodie scene rating further underscore Santa Ana’s rich and diverse culinary landscape, ready for you to explore.
Knoxville vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison
Relocating? Food plays a vital role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart will help bridge the culinary gap between Knoxville, TN, and Santa Ana, CA, guiding you to discover your next favorite eatery using familiar tastes from your current hometown as a roadmap.
Knoxville | Santa Ana | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Emilia | Aurora | Offers refined Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere, similar to Emilia's focus on Italian cuisine. |
Yassin's Falafel House | Kebab Place | Provides a warm, welcoming vibe with delicious Middle Eastern fare, echoing Yassin's community spirit. |
J.C. Holdway | Vaca | A place with high-end American dining and a commitment to flame-grilled flavors, akin to J.C. Holdway's approach. |
Stock & Barrel | The Burger Parlor | Known for gourmet burgers and craft beers, offering a comparable upscale burger experience. |
A Dopo Sourdough Pizza | Il Dolce Pizzeria | Celebrates traditional wood-fired pizzas, capturing A Dopo's devotion to authentic sourdough crusts. |
Knox Mason | Playground | A modern twist on Southern comfort food, sharing Knox Mason's innovative culinary approach. |
The French Market Crêperie | Crêpe Coop | Serves up an array of sweet and savory crêpes, mirroring the French-inspired selections of The French Market Crêperie. |
Bida Saigon | Bamboo Bistro | Authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on pho and traditional dishes, akin to Bida Saigon's offerings. |
Litton's Market & Restaurant | BRUXIE | Famous for chicken and waffles but also offers classic American comfort food, similar to Litton's home-style cooking. |
Dead End BBQ | Heritage Barbecue | Delivers top-notch barbecue with a dedication to craft and flavor, comparable to Dead End BBQ’s approach. |
If you're craving the warm, welcoming atmosphere and authentic Middle Eastern flavors you've grown to love at Yassin's Falafel House in Knoxville, you'll find a similar vibe and culinary experience at Kebab Place in Santa Ana. For aficionados of gourmet burgers and craft beer enjoyed at Stock & Barrel, The Burger Parlor in Santa Ana serves up an equally compelling experience, promising burgers crafted with innovation and paired with a selection of local brews. Lastly, those missing the unique, wood-fired sourdough pizzas of A Dopo Sourdough Pizza will be delighted by Il Dolce Pizzeria, where the authenticity of wood-fired ovens and the dedication to traditional Italian techniques and ingredients reflect the same passion for pizza.

Ready to start your move?
Knoxville vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial factor to consider when moving. It's important to know how the two cities compare in terms of housing aspects. This comparison between Knoxville, TN and Santa Ana, CA provides key insights into cost, architecture, walkability, and lifestyle, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Comparison | Knoxville | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | Spanish Colonial |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, views of the Smokies | Close proximity to beaches, modern amenities |
Moving from Knoxville to Santa Ana brings significant changes, especially in housing costs. While Knoxville offers charming Colonial Revival homes with spacious yards and stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, Santa Ana boasts of its Spanish Colonial architecture, modern amenities, and is prized for its proximity to Southern California's renowned beaches. The shift from Knoxville's more laid-back lifestyle to Santa Ana's vibrant urban atmosphere is another aspect to consider. Walkability and bikeability scores slightly favor Santa Ana, reflecting its more condensed urban layout, which supports a lifestyle that's less reliant on a car.
Knoxville vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations
Understanding the weather you're moving into is crucial when relocating. This comparison highlights the differences in climate you'll experience moving from Knoxville, TN to Santa Ana, CA. It gives a snapshot of what to expect weather-wise, helping you plan better.
Knoxville, TN
Santa Ana, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Knoxville, TN
Santa Ana, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Knoxville, TN
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Knoxville, TN
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Knoxville | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Heavy Snow | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When you move from Knoxville to Santa Ana, you'll enjoy more sunny days and milder winters, ideal for outdoor activities year-round. While both cities have similar summer temperatures, winter in Santa Ana is significantly warmer, making heavy winter clothing unnecessary. However, prepare for different natural disaster risks, such as the potential for earthquakes and wildfires in Santa Ana, contrasting with Knoxville's tornadoes and occasional heavy snows. Also, with Santa Ana's drastically lower annual rainfall, you'll experience a drier environment, which could impact your daily life and gardening habits.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Knoxville to Santa Ana
When considering a move from one location to another, it’s pivotal to gauge the financial landscape you’re stepping into. This comparison aims to shed light on how the cost of living and economic factors in Knoxville compare to those in Santa Ana , guiding your financial expectations and preparations for the relocation.
Comparison | Knoxville | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $45,700 | $80,265 |
Cost of Living Index | 89.4 | 136.4 |
State Income Tax | 0% | 13.3% (max rate) |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.68% | 0.72% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25% | 7.75% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Health Care, Retail | Health Care, Retail, Technology |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | Notable | Moderate |
Homelessness | Moderate | High |
Relocating from Knoxville to Santa Ana means preparing for a substantial increase in the cost of living, largely driven by higher housing costs, noted in Santa Ana's cost of living index at 138.2 compared to Knoxville's 87.9. Another significant adjustment involves state income tax: Tennessee boasts a 0% income tax, while California's maximum rate climbs to 13.3%, which might impact your take-home salary. Despite this, Santa Ana's average household income is higher, hinting at potential for increased earnings. The shift in predominant industries—from Knoxville's manufacturing to Santa Ana’s technology sector—suggests varied job opportunities that could influence your career path. Understanding these financial landscapes aids in setting realistic expectations and facilitates a smoother transition.
Knoxville vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison
Considering making the leap from Knoxville, TN to Santa Ana, CA? It's beneficial to understand how the communities you're moving between compare. This brief overview provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents comparing between Knoxville & Santa Ana , offering insights into what you can expect in your new hometown.
Knoxville | Santa Ana | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Leans Republican | Leans Democratic |
Local Politics | Conservative policies | Liberal policies |
Religion | Predominantly Christian | Diverse, with a significant Catholic population |
When considering the move from Knoxville to Santa Ana, you'll be transitioning from a city with a conservative leaning towards one with more liberal policies. This might be most noticeable in local politics and community initiatives. Knoxville's political environment has traditionally supported Republican candidates, whereas Santa Ana has a history of leaning towards Democratic candidates, reflecting its diverse population and progressive stance on various issues. Religious makeup also differs significantly. Knoxville's religious landscape is primarily Christian, with a strong representation of Baptist and Protestant denominations. Meanwhile, Santa Ana offers a more diverse religious scene, with a notable Catholic presence among its population. Understanding these dynamics can help you better integrate into your new community.
Knoxville vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Knoxville, TN to Santa Ana, CA requires adjusting to new daily commutes and traffic patterns. This comparison between Knoxville & Santa Ana aims to provide a clearer picture of what to expect regarding traffic and transportation options in both cities, ensuring your move is as smooth as possible.
Comparison | Knoxville | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 26 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | No | Yes, but it's challenging |
In Knoxville, while the average commute time is shorter, the city scores lower in terms of public transit availability compared to Santa Ana. This makes owning a car almost a necessity in Knoxville for a smooth daily routine. On the other hand, Santa Ana, despite its higher traffic congestion, offers better public transit options. However, it's worth noting that while it is more feasible to rely on public transit in Santa Ana than in Knoxville, doing so could still present challenges. Adjusting to Santa Ana's traffic congestion and making the most of its public transportation will be crucial for a seamless transition.



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