Best Madison to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Madison to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,038 mile move from Wisconsin to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 32 Madison to Santa Ana moving companies and more than 15,000 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 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Madison 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 Madison 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 | Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.30 | 9.31 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | The Go To Guys, LLC | 9.07 | 8.7 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Top Notch Movers | 9.05 | 9 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Madison to Santa Ana
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,038 miles from Madison, WI to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $3,514 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Madison to Santa Ana move is roughly $8,481. 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 | $2,358 | 300 ft³ | 7.86 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,514 | 450 ft³ | 7.81 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,820 | 750 ft³ | 7.76 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,481 | 1100 ft³ | 7.71 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,255 | 1600 ft³ | 7.66 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $13,697 | 1800 ft³ | 7.61 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Ana to Madison guide.
Compare the 5 Best Madison 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) |
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
310 Progress Way Suite 140
Sun Prairie, WI, 53590
About Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
As a locally owned and operated moving company, Gorilla Movers has over 20 years of experience performing high-quality residential and commercial...
Services
- Residential moves
- Commercial moves
- Local/statewide moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2627768 / 1031866 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 14 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 173,000 (2023) |
The Go To Guys, LLC
Bayside, WI, 53217
About The Go To Guys, LLC
The Go To Guys, LLC is a seasoned moving company with 30 years of experience in the industry. Based in the...
Services
- Cheap moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3760134 / 1338262 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2024) |
Top Notch Movers
2829 Perry St Suite 214
Madison, WI, 53713
About Top Notch Movers
Top Notch Movers may be a young business, but it’s already built an excellent reputation. It lives up well to its...
Services
- Local & Interstate Residential Moving
- Packing Services
- Junk Removal
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3322160 / 1066819 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 70,000 (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.
Madison vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison
When planning a move, getting to know your new city can seem daunting. To ease this transition, we provide a unique comparison, focusing on Madison, WI & Santa Ana, CA neighborhoods . By identifying similar neighborhoods, we aim to help you familiarize yourself with Santa Ana using Madison as your known baseline.
| Madison | Santa Ana | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Capitol | Downtown Santa Ana | Vibrant cultural hub |
| Willy Street | Artists Village | Artistic and eclectic atmosphere |
| Maple Bluff | Floral Park | Historic homes and quiet streets |
| Shorewood Hills | Washington Square | Upscale, with a sense of community |
| Hilldale | Heninger Park | Centrally located with diverse attractions |
| Nakoma League | West Floral Park | Charming with a tight-knit community vibe |
| Marquette | French Park | Historical with a creative spirit |
| Monroe Street | Eastside | Family-friendly and vibrant local businesses |
| Atwood | Logan | Burgeoning arts scene and community-focused |
| Tenney-Lapham | Artesia Pilar | Active community with historic charm |
Delving deeper into the neighborhoods, Madison's Capitol area with its government buildings and lively cultural scene finds a counterpart in Downtown Santa Ana, known for its blend of history, art, and vibrant nightlife. Similarly, Willy Street's unique and bohemian vibe is mirrored in Santa Ana's Artists Village, where creativity flourishes among galleries and live music venues. For those who appreciate the pristine and historic neighborhoods of Maple Bluff in Madison, Floral Park in Santa Ana offers an exquisite collection of vintage homes amidst beautifully landscaped streets. Lastly, the communal and upscale atmosphere of Shorewood Hills can be found in Washington Square, where community events and historic homes foster a strong sense of belonging among residents.
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 Madison to Santa Ana
Moving from one city to another offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Madison, WI to Santa Ana, CA . By examining the pros and cons of each location, this guide will help you make a well-informed decision about your upcoming move.
Madison, WI- Cold winters
- Smaller city
- Lesser cultural diversity
- Far from the ocean
- Lower Hispanic cuisine options
Santa Ana, CA- Mild winters
- Larger city
- Greater cultural diversity
- Close to beaches
- Rich Hispanic cuisine options
Santa Ana, CA- Fewer lakes and green spaces
- Less bike-friendly
- More urban, less collegiate
- Higher cost of living
- Less seasonal weather variation
Madison, WI- Lakes and green spaces
- Biking city
- University-driven community
- Lower cost of living
- Seasonal weather changes
When moving from Madison to Santa Ana, you’ll trade the icy Wisconsin winters for the mild, sunny climate of Southern California. Madison's numerous lakes, such as Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, provide beautiful cityscapes and recreational activities that may be harder to find in Santa Ana. However, Santa Ana offers proximity to iconic beaches like Newport and Huntington, embodying the quintessential California lifestyle. The cultural vibrancy of Santa Ana is palpable, with places like the Bowers Museum demonstrating the rich local heritage and a wide array of dining options, including renowned Hispanic cuisine at spots like Taqueria Carniceria Tapatia. The higher cost of living in Santa Ana compared to Madison is an important factor to consider, but it's also indicative of the greater economic opportunities and vibrant urban life awaiting you.
Madison vs. Santa Ana Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Madison & Santa Ana is designed to give you a flavorful glimpse into what awaits in your new city. Understanding the food scene is central to experiencing the local culture and lifestyle. This guide will help you navigate the culinary landscapes of both cities.
| Madison | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Food Cart Brats | Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seasonal Veggie Dishes | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Santa Ana, the vibrant street food scene is a standout feature, with tacos taking center stage. You'll find some of the best street tacos in neighborhoods like Downtown Santa Ana, where spots like 4th Street Market offer a bustling foodie environment. For those seeking a high-end dining experience, Playground is a destination that captures Santa Ana's innovative culinary spirit. The city's emphasis on freshness and local ingredients makes it easy to find delicious vegan options, such as jackfruit tacos, which have become a local favorite. Whether you are a health enthusiast or a devoted foodie, Santa Ana provides an eclectic mix of options to satisfy any palate.
Madison vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison
Understanding the impact of culinary experiences in establishing comfort in a new city, this guide seeks to bridge the gap between Madison, WI, and Santa Ana, CA. By comparing top Madison restaurants to their Santa Ana counterparts , you can find new favorite spots that echo the essence of your current go-to eateries.
| Madison | Santa Ana | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| L'Etoile | Playground | Innovative farm-to-table dining |
| Graze Pub | 4th Street Market | Diverse food hall options |
| Marigold Kitchen | Cafe Cultura | Artisan coffee and hearty brunch dishes |
| A Pig In A Fur Coat | Lola Gaspar | Small plates with a creative twist |
| Sal's Pizza | Biggie's Pizza | Giant slices and NY style pies |
| Forequarter | Crave | Seasonal menus with a local focus |
| Mint Mark | Taqueria Guadalajara | Authentic Mexican eats |
| Tornado Steak House | Morton's The Steakhouse | Classic, upscale steakhouse experience |
| The Old Fashioned | Tribute | Elevated comfort food and cocktails |
| Piccione Pastry | Porto's Bakery & Cafe | Famous for pastries and sandwiches |
When transitioning from Madison to Santa Ana, you're not leaving behind the rich culinary landscape you've come to love; instead, you're expanding it. You'll find that places like Playground mirror the innovative, seasonal approach to cuisine that L'Etoile champions. Fans of the casual yet eclectic atmosphere at Graze Pub will find solace in the vibrant and diverse offerings at 4th Street Market. For those craving artisanal pizzas, Biggie's Pizza offers a taste reminiscent of Sal's Pizza with its giant slices and dedication to quality. Whether you're seeking an upscale dining experience akin to Tornado Steak House or comforting brunch options similar to Marigold Kitchen, Santa Ana's culinary scene is poised to welcome you with open arms and delicious flavors.
Ready to start your move?
Madison vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move, and knowing how Madison and Santa Ana compare in terms of housing can make all the difference. This comparison aims to illuminate the cost, architecture, and lifestyle factors that influence living experiences in these cities.
| Comparison | Madison | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie, Craftsman | Spanish Colonial, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Near nature, Lake views | Close to downtown, Historic neighborhoods |
When diving deeper into the housing aspects of Madison and Santa Ana, it’s clear that both cities offer distinct lifestyles. Madison’s homes often highlight proximity to nature and lake views, appealing to those who cherish outdoor activities and serenity. In contrast, Santa Ana’s real estate listings frequently boast about being close to downtown and the charm of historic neighborhoods, suggesting a more urban-centric living. The significant difference in median home prices and rent between the two cities reflects Santa Ana’s higher cost of living, partially due to California’s overall market trends. Yet, both cities are relatively bike-friendly, encouraging a sustainable lifestyle amidst differing urban scales.
Madison vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, it’s crucial to consider how the weather in Madison contrasts with Santa Ana’s climate. Understanding these differences helps you prepare for a smooth transition and sets realistic expectations for your new environment.
Madison, WI
Santa Ana, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Santa Ana, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Madison, WI
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Madison | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Extreme Cold | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
The weather differences between Madison and Santa Ana have significant implications for daily life and planning. Madison experiences a diverse climate with cold winters that can see substantial snowfall, while Santa Ana offers more consistent warmth and significantly higher days of sunshine annually, leading to a potentially easier adjustment for those who prefer milder winters. However, Santa Ana's lower annual rainfall and higher average UV index call for a different kind of preparedness, specifically around water conservation and sun protection. Additionally, while Madison residents may be accustomed to preparing for snowstorms, those moving to Santa Ana should be aware of the local risks such as earthquakes and wildfires.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Madison to Santa Ana
When considering a move from Madison, WI to Santa Ana, CA, it's vital to weigh how your financial situation may shift in your new home. This comparison aims to provide clarity on that front, highlighting how cost of living, taxes, income, and economic health between Madison and Santa Ana starkly differ or align.
| Comparison | Madison | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,270 | $80,265 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.65 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 5.3 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.6 | 0.7 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5 | 7.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Health Care, Manufacturing | Manufacturing, Retail, Education |
| Affluence | Moderate | Varied |
| Poverty | Low | Higher |
| Homelessness | Present | Significant |
Moving from Madison to Santa Ana involves more than just a change of scenery; it's a shift in your economic environment. For instance, while average household incomes are similar, the cost of living in Santa Ana is significantly higher, largely due to housing costs. This is coupled with a higher state income tax rate. However, Santa Ana offers a diverse economic landscape with strong industrial and retail sectors. Understanding these financial outlooks and preparing for them can help smooth your transition between these two cities.
Madison vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison
This brief comparison gives you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents from Madison, WI to Santa Ana, CA . Understand the community you're moving into by exploring how these cities differ in terms of politics and religion.
| Madison | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Liberal/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies, strong environmental focus | Diverse representation, focus on community services |
| Religion | Mixed, with a significant number of non-religious residents | Predominantly Christian, with a growing number of other religious communities |
In both Madison and Santa Ana, you'll find a primarily liberal and Democratic political makeup, which reflects in local governance and city policies. Madison is known for its environmentally-focused initiatives and progressive stance on various issues, likely echoing the city's large university presence. Santa Ana, while also leaning liberal, boasts diverse community representation and prioritizes services aimed at supporting its residents. In terms of religion, Madison is quite diverse with a substantial non-religious demographic. Santa Ana, however, while still accommodating various beliefs, has a more pronounced Christian presence. Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the social and community dynamics as you transition from Madison to Santa Ana.
Madison vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the daily commute and traffic differences—this is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Madison & Santa Ana— is crucial for anyone planning to move. Knowing what to expect can ease the transition and help you plan your daily movements efficiently.
| Comparison | Madison | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Possibly, with some effort | Challenging but doable |
The average commute time in Madison is slightly shorter than in Santa Ana, attributing to less traffic congestion. Madison's public transit score indicates moderate availability, which makes living without a car possible, though it might require some planning. On the other hand, Santa Ana faces higher traffic congestion, impacting commute times. While its public transit availability is somewhat lower than Madison's, getting around Santa Ana without a car is still feasible, especially with strategic planning and the use of local services such as the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).
Additional Resources
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