Best Houston to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Houston to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,575 mile move from Texas to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 32 Houston 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 $2,000 - $7,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Houston 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 Houston to Santa Ana Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
2Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
3Pinpoint Movers8.769.23Authorized For HHGContact
4Right Rate Movers of Houston8.678.59ActiveContact
5Go Movers8.509.1Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Houston to Santa Ana

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,575 miles from Houston, TX to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $3,121 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Houston to Santa Ana move is roughly $7,518. 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$2,095300 ft³6.98
1 Bedroom$3,121450 ft³6.93
2 Bedrooms$5,163750 ft³6.88
3 Bedrooms$7,5181100 ft³6.83
4 Bedrooms$10,8551600 ft³6.78
5+ Bedrooms$12,1221800 ft³6.73
*Please note: These Texas to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Texas & 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 TX to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Ana to Houston guide.

Compare the 5 Best Houston 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
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 1/10/2025)

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
2
Pinpoint Movers Logo

Pinpoint Movers

Superb8.76/10
based on 2,347+ data points

7100 Regency Square Blvd Suite 199

Houston, TX, 77036

About Pinpoint Movers

Pinpoint Movers is a women-owned and family-operated moving company located in Houston, Texas that is licensed and insured to handle all...

Services

  • Homepage:
  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3070055 / 944442

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Right Rate Movers of Houston Logo

Right Rate Movers of Houston

Fabulous8.67/10
based on 3,973+ data points

2925 Richmond Ave

Houston, TX, 77098

About Right Rate Movers of Houston

Right Rate Movers of Houston is a trusted and reliable moving company recognized as an industry leader in terms of affordability...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Labor Only
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2200927 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
4
G

Go Movers

Fabulous8.50/10
based on 401+ data points

Missouri City, TX

About Go Movers

Go Movers has been serving as Houston, TX's trusted relocation experts for the past 10 years. They provide both local and...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Nationwide moves
  • Cheap moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3790949 / 1365663

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2023)
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.

Houston vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. Our guide aims to ease this transition by comparing popular neighborhoods between Houston, TX & Santa Ana, CA . This will assist you in identifying Santa Ana neighborhoods with a similar vibe and amenities to your current Houston locale.

HoustonSanta AnaHow They're Similar
MontroseDowntown Santa AnaVibrant arts scene, diverse eateries
The HeightsFloral ParkHistoric homes, community-focused
River OaksWest Floral ParkUpscale, well-maintained gardens
West UniversityPark SantiagoFamily-friendly, academic vibe
MidtownFrench ParkUrban but peaceful, historic buildings
EaDo (East Downtown)Heninger ParkEmerging, artsy, close to downtown
GalleriaBristol-WarnerShopping haven, bustling commercial area
Museum DistrictWashington SquareCulture-rich, with museums and parks
Rice MilitaryWilshire SquareActive, with a strong sense of community
Clear LakePortola ParkFamily-oriented, recreational activities

For those in love with the artistic energy of Montrose, Downtown Santa Ana's vibrant arts scene, and array of diverse eateries like Chapter One will feel instantly familiar. If you're coming from The Heights, the historic and community-focused vibes of Floral Park, boasting beautiful homes and lush landscapes, will make you feel right at home. West Floral Park, similar to River Oaks, offers upscale living with immaculately maintained gardens, appealing to those who appreciate finer residential aesthetics. Meanwhile, museum enthusiasts moving from Houston's Museum District will find a cultural haven in Washington Square, where the presence of local museums and cultural events underscores a rich artistic community. Whether you're seeking a neighborhood that mirrors the family-friendly atmosphere of West University or the shopping paradise of the Galleria, Santa Ana offers closely comparable neighborhoods to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

Things To Do background image

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 Houston to Santa Ana

Moving from one city to another can be daunting yet exciting. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of relocating from Houston, TX to Santa Ana, CA , highlighting the good and the bad. It's designed to offer insights that will help you weigh your decision carefully.

CONs
PROs
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • High humidity
  • Frequent flooding
  • Long, hot summers
  • Greater traffic congestion
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Less natural disasters
  • Cooler summers
  • Efficient public transit
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller food scene
  • Smaller homes
  • Less cultural venues
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Lower cost of living
  • Diverse food scene
  • Spacious living
  • Vibrant cultural life

Moving from Houston to Santa Ana brings the promise of a milder climate and a less disaster-prone living environment, with Santa Ana boasting fewer natural disasters compared to Houston's frequent flooding. Although Santa Ana may have a smaller food scene, it prides itself on quality and diversity, with spots like 4th Street Market standing out as a foodie destination. Nonetheless, the transition also means adapting to higher living costs and potentially smaller living spaces. It's worth exploring neighborhoods like Floral Park and West Grove for their charming parks and community feel, despite the shift in the size and cost of homes. Santa Ana, while having fewer cultural venues than Houston, still offers enriching experiences at places like the Bowers Museum, illustrating that every city has its own unique set of offerings.

Houston vs. Santa Ana Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Houston & Santa Ana, highlighting how food plays an essential role in understanding the culture and lifestyle of a new area. By examining the local cuisine, you can get a glimpse into what life will be like in your new city.

HoustonSanta Ana
Most iconic local food itemTex-MexChiles Rellenos
Most popular meat dishBrisketCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemTacosTacos de canasta
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit BBQ SandwichPlant-Based Pozole
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Breakfast Klub
  • Killen's BBQ
  • Hugo's
  • Taco Maria
  • Playground
  • Crave
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Houston to Santa Ana, you'll transition from the hearty, smoky flavors of Tex-Mex and brisket to the fresh, vibrant tastes of chiles rellenos and carne asada. While both cities share a love for tacos, Santa Ana offers a unique take with tacos de canasta. The vegan scene in Santa Ana welcomes you with innovative plant-based options like pozole, mirroring the city's health-conscious vibe. Dive into Santa Ana's food scene through iconic eateries such as Taco Maria and Playground, both reflecting the city's diverse culinary landscape. Prepare to be surrounded by an abundance of food trucks and a passionate foodie community eager to share their local flavors.

Houston vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be an adventure, especially when it involves discovering your new favorite dining spots. This comparison of restaurants from Houston to Santa Ana is designed to ease your transition, mapping your culinary favorites from Houston to their closest equivalents in Santa Ana . Let this guide serve as your culinary compass in finding those familiar flavors or new favorites in your new home.

HoustonSanta AnaWhat You'll Love
UchiIkko SushiContemporary takes on Japanese cuisine
Brennan's of HoustonCréme de la CrémeElegant dining with a French twist
Truth BBQHeritage BarbecueExpertly smoked meats balancing tradition and innovation
Torchy's TacosTaqueria ZamoraAuthentic and diverse tacos in a casual setting
The Breakfast KlubEggsliceExceptional breakfast sandwiches with a unique twist
Pappadeaux Seafood KitchenSanta Monica SeafoodFresh, high-quality seafood with a broad selection
Niko Niko'sChristakis Greek CuisineAuthentic Greek dishes in a cozy atmosphere
Himalaya RestaurantClay OvenRich and flavorful Indian & Pakistani dishes
Hugo'sAnepalcoA blend of traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist
XochiEl Mercado Modern CuisineA creative approach to Mexican flavors

Exploring the culinary landscape of your new city can be a delightful journey. If you've enjoyed the sophisticated Japanese dishes at Uchi in Houston, Ikko Sushi in Santa Ana offers a contemporary take on Japanese cuisine that shouldn't be missed. Barbecue lovers migrating from Houston's Truth BBQ will find a new haven in Heritage Barbecue in Santa Ana, where the tradition of smoked meats is elevated with innovative touches. For breakfast enthusiasts, the transition from The Breakfast Klub's soul food to Eggslice's inventive breakfast sandwiches ensures your mornings are still filled with delicious starts. Each restaurant in Santa Ana not only provides a taste reminiscent of Houston's diverse culinary scene but also adds its unique touch, making your dining experiences in Santa Ana uniquely satisfying and a vital part of feeling at home.

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Ready to start your move?

Houston vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a key factor in deciding where to relocate. It's crucial to understand how Houston, TX and Santa Ana, CA compare in terms of housing. This comparison will help you appreciate the differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle, ensuring you make an informed decision.

ComparisonHoustonSanta Ana
Typical Architecture StyleModern and RanchSpanish Colonial and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious Yards, Swimming PoolsEco-friendly features, Proximity to beaches

When examining Houston versus Santa Ana through the lens of real estate, significant differences emerge, especially in housing costs and architectural styles. While Houston presents more affordable living options with a median home price significantly lower than Santa Ana's, Santa Ana compensates with its higher walkability and strong urban lifestyle rating, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Santa Ana's architecture leans towards Spanish Colonial and Craftsman styles, reflecting its rich cultural heritage, contrasting sharply with Houston's modern and ranch-style homes. Additionally, the eco-friendly features prevalent in Santa Ana's listings highlight a community focused on sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious homebuyers.

Houston vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations

When relocating, it's crucial to consider how the weather in your new city compares to what you're accustomed to. This guide aims to provide a clear comparison between Houston and Santa Ana, focusing on key weather differences to help you adjust more easily to your new environment.

Summer icon
94/75

Houston, TX

83/64

Santa Ana, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
62/43

Houston, TX

70/48

Santa Ana, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
49.77

Houston, TX

13.90

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Houston, TX

0

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonHoustonSanta Ana
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodingEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from Houston to Santa Ana means adapting to a drier climate with significantly more days of sunshine and less humidity. While both cities enjoy mild winters, Santa Ana's are particularly pleasant with more sunny days and warmer temperatures. The risk of natural disasters shifts from hurricanes and flooding in Houston to earthquakes and wildfires in Santa Ana. Awareness of these differences will help you prepare for year-round weather changes, ensuring a smoother adjustment to your new home.

Ready to start your move?

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

Moving from one city to another involves not just a change in scenery but also in finances. Understanding how the cost of living, income, and taxes in Houston compare to those in Santa Ana will help you prepare for your move.

ComparisonHoustonSanta Ana
Avg. Household Income$55,499$80,265
Cost of Living Index92.2136.4
State Income Tax013.3 (max)
Avg. Property Tax2.090.72
Avg. Sales Tax8.257.75
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Manufacturing, AeronauticsTechnology, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableLower
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

When moving from Houston to Santa Ana, you'll likely notice a significant shift in financial dynamics. The average household income is higher in Santa Ana, which might seem inviting, but it accompanies a sharp rise in the cost of living index — 163 in Santa Ana compared to Houston's 92.3. Despite California's higher state income tax, reaching up to 13.3%, the thriving technology and healthcare industries in Santa Ana offer wide-ranging job opportunities. Moreover, while Santa Ana enjoys a higher affluence level and lower poverty rates, it's essential to factor in California's state income tax and the higher cost of living when planning your move.

Houston vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Houston, TX to Santa Ana, CA represents more than just a change of scenery. This short guide offers a comparison of the politics between Houston & Santa Ana , providing a quick glimpse into the political and religious landscape of your new home.

HoustonSanta Ana
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsModerate mix, with a conservative tilt in some policiesLiberal, with progressive policies on immigration and climate
ReligionDiverse; Christianity dominates, followed by Islam and HinduismPredominantly Catholic, with a significant Protestant presence

While both Houston and Santa Ana lean Democratic, Santa Ana boasts a more pronounced liberal stance, particularly visible through its progressive policies on matters like immigration and environmental protection. Your move to Santa Ana will place you in a community where the political conversation often focuses on advocating for human rights and sustainability efforts. Religiously, Santa Ana's population has a significant Catholic majority, reflective of its rich Hispanic heritage and influence, contrasting with Houston's broader religious diversity. Understanding these dynamics may help you adjust more smoothly to your new community.

Houston vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Houston, TX, to Santa Ana, CA, it’s crucial to compare the daily commute and traffic. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Houston & Santa Ana will help you understand what to expect in your new city.

ComparisonHoustonSanta Ana
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2925
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes

Despite both cities having their own unique challenges and advantages when it comes to commuting, there are distinct differences between Houston and Santa Ana. Houston generally requires a car for efficient navigate due to its broader sprawl and lesser public transit options. In Santa Ana, however, the higher availability and convenience of public transit, coupled with a shorter average commute time, make it feasible for residents to manage without a personal vehicle. This significant distinction could affect your daily routine and lifestyle, influencing everything from where you live to how you plan your day.

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