Best Charlotte to Santa Ana Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Charlotte to Santa Ana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,491 mile move from North Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 37 Charlotte 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 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 | You Move Me Charlotte | 9.32 | 9.23 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Road Haugs Moving & Storage | 9.06 | 9.1 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Bulldog Moving LLC | 9.00 | 8.42 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Charlotte to Santa Ana
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,491 miles from Charlotte, NC to Santa Ana, CA will cost on average $3,900 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charlotte to Santa Ana move is roughly $9,422. 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 | $2,615 | 300 ft³ | 8.72 |
1 Bedroom | $3,900 | 450 ft³ | 8.67 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,462 | 750 ft³ | 8.62 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,422 | 1100 ft³ | 8.57 |
4 Bedrooms | $13,625 | 1600 ft³ | 8.52 |
5+ Bedrooms | $15,238 | 1800 ft³ | 8.47 |


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

You Move Me Charlotte
4222 Barringer Dr
Charlotte, NC, 28217
About You Move Me Charlotte
You Move Me is a franchised moving company that has locations all across North America, including Charlotte, NC. Serving the entire...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Piano moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2518689 / 878140 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2024) |

Road Haugs Moving & Storage
2700 Hutchison McDonald Rd Suite A
Charlotte, NC, 28269
About Road Haugs Moving & Storage
Road Haugs Moving & Storage is a Charlotte-based moving company that is second-generation family-owned and operated. Primarily executing local residential moves,...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Specialty Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2535952 / 882889 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2022) |
Bulldog Moving LLC
Charlotte, NC, 28202
About Bulldog Moving LLC
Bulldog Moving LLC is a reputable moving service in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company provides a range of services including local...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long-Distance Moving Services
- Residential Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1670218 / 613925 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 29,677 (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.
Charlotte vs. Santa Ana Neighborhood Comparison
Making a move to a new city can feel like stepping into the unknown. To ease this transition, we've prepared a unique comparison. This guide highlights the comparison of local neighborhoods between Charlotte, NC & Santa Ana, CA , offering a look at similar communities where you can find the same vibes or amenities you've grown to love. Let's dive into the neighborhoods that mirror your current lifestyle and preferences, making your move as smooth as possible.
Charlotte | Santa Ana | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Myers Park | Floral Park | Historic homes, lush landscapes |
South End | Downtown Santa Ana | Vibrant arts scene, craft breweries |
Plaza Midwood | Wilshire Square | Eclectic mix of dining, arts |
NoDa | French Park | Artistic community, historic homes |
Elizabeth | West Floral Park | Quiet streets, charming homes |
Uptown | Historic French Park | Business district, historical significance |
Dilworth | Park Santiago | Leafy neighborhoods, spacious parks |
Ballantyne | Washington Square | Family-friendly, upscale dining |
University City | Artesia Pilar | Educational institutions, diverse community |
SouthPark | Morrison Park | Shopping districts, modern living |
For those moving from Charlotte's vibrant South End with its plethora of craft breweries and art galleries, Downtown Santa Ana will feel right at home with its own bustling arts scene and creative breweries like Native Son Alehouse. Moving from a historic, tree-lined neighborhood like Myers Park? Floral Park in Santa Ana offers that same sense of historic charm amidst lush landscapes, complete with stunning homes that tell stories. Transition from Plaza Midwood's eclectic dining and shopping to Wilshire Square, where you can continue to explore unique eateries and local arts. Each of these neighborhoods in Santa Ana not only parallels the physical characteristics but also preserves the community spirit and lifestyle you cherished back in Charlotte.

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 Charlotte to Santa Ana
Moving from one city to another can bring a mixed bag of experiences. This comparison aims to give an honest reflection of Charlotte, NC to Santa Ana, CA relocation , analyzing both the positive and negative aspects. By understanding the pros and cons, you can make a well-informed decision about your move.
- Humid summers
- Less cultural diversity
- Smaller job market
- Limited public transport
- Far from beaches
- Milder climate
- Rich cultural diversity
- Larger job market
- Better public transport
- Close to beaches
- Higher cost of living
- Less green space
- More urban
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Expensive housing
- Lower cost of living
- Abundant green spaces
- Family-friendly
- Strong sense of community
- More affordable housing
Moving to Santa Ana, CA, you'll be greeted by a vibrant cultural scene unlike any other. The rich diversity here offers an array of authentic cuisines, from the flavors at 4th Street Market to traditional dishes at Little Saigon. For outdoor enthusiasts, Santa Ana provides proximity to stunning beaches, like Newport and Laguna Beach, compared to Charlotte's landlocked position. However, this move also means adapting to a higher cost of living and a more urbanized lifestyle, with Santa Ana’s housing market being notably more expensive than Charlotte's more affordable and spacious options. Each city offers unique advantages, from Charlotte's community spirit and green spaces, like Freedom Park, to Santa Ana's economic opportunities and cultural richness. The choice involves balancing these factors against personal preferences and priorities.
Charlotte vs. Santa Ana Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Charlotte & Santa Ana, highlighting the vibrant and diverse food scenes. Understanding the local cuisine is essential in getting a taste of what life is like in a new area. This comparison will provide insight into the culinary delights awaiting you.
Charlotte | Santa Ana | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pulled pork BBQ | Tacos |
Most popular meat dish | Carolina-style BBQ ribs | Carne Asada |
Most popular street food item | Boiled peanuts | Elote |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ jackfruit | Tofu Tacos |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Charlotte, the barbecue scene reigns supreme, with Midwood Smokehouse being a local favorite for sampling the city's iconic pulled pork BBQ. Meanwhile, in Santa Ana, the Latin culinary influence is strong, with street food like elote readily available in vibrant neighborhoods and Taco Amigo offering some of the best local tacos. The abundance of food trucks in Santa Ana reflects a dynamic foodie culture, with options ranging from traditional Mexican cuisines to innovative vegan dishes, making it a paradise for those who love to explore food. Whether you're in the mood for Carolina-style BBQ ribs in Charlotte or carne asada in Santa Ana, both cities offer a rich tapestry of flavors and dining experiences that cater to food enthusiasts of all kinds.
Charlotte vs. Santa Ana Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a vital role in making a new area feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Charlotte and Santa Ana is designed to help you find your new favorite spots, offering a culinary bridge between your old and new communities.
Charlotte | Santa Ana | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Fahrenheit | Playground | Both offer innovative, chef-driven menus |
Price's Chicken Coop | Crave | Best spot for fried chicken and comfort foods |
Carpe Diem Restaurant | Chapter One: The Modern Local | Similar upscale ambiance with a creative menu |
Midwood Smokehouse | Heritage Barbecue | Both are known for exceptional BBQ and smoked meats |
Good Food on Montford | Anepalco | Both fuse traditional and contemporary flavors beautifully |
Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth | Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens | Both focus on farm-to-table dining |
Kindred | Haven Craft Kitchen+Bar | Similar in offering inventive, seasonal dishes |
Haberdish | Playa Mesa | Both places celebrate the local cuisine with a contemporary twist |
Soul Gastrolounge | The Blind Pig | Both have a trendy vibe with inventive small plates and cocktails |
Optimist Hall | 4th Street Market | Similar urban food hall experiences with a variety of vendors |
When seeking flavors reminiscent of Charlotte's vibrant dining scene, Santa Ana offers plenty of equivalents that promise to delight. For example, if you're missing the chef-driven, creative dining experience of Fahrenheit in Charlotte, Playground in Santa Ana stands ready to impress with its innovative menu and focus on quality ingredients. BBQ enthusiasts who favored Midwood Smokehouse can find solace at Heritage Barbecue, where the art of smoked meats is equally revered. And for those that appreciate the blend of the modern and the traditional, Good Food on Montford finds its counterpart in Anepalco, where the culinary narratives of two distinct places are woven together through inventive dishes. Each of these establishments not only serves food but offers a window into the hearts of their respective cities.

Ready to start your move?
Charlotte vs. Santa Ana Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly influences your moving experience, particularly when transitioning between cities. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences and similarities in the housing market between Charlotte, NC, and Santa Ana, CA, focusing on aspects such as cost, style, and lifestyle. Understanding these can greatly assist in making an informed decision.
Comparison | Charlotte | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Traditional | Spanish Colonial, Modern |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Open Floor Plans, Large Yards | Energy Efficiency, Proximity to Public Transport |
While Charlotte maintains a balance of traditional charm and modern conveniences with its colonial and traditional architectural styles, Santa Ana leans more towards a vibrant urban lifestyle illustrated by its Spanish Colonial and modern structures. The higher walkability and bikeability scores in Santa Ana reflect a more condensed urban core conducive to foot and bicycle traffic, synonymous with its higher urban lifestyle rating. Moreover, the emphasis on energy efficiency and proximity to public transport in Santa Ana's listings indicates a city-wide focus on sustainability and accessibility. In contrast, Charlotte's real estate market values open floor plans and large yards, highlighting a preference for spacious, private residential environments.
Charlotte vs. Santa Ana Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Charlotte, NC, to Santa Ana, CA, understanding how the weather compares between your current city and your new home is crucial. This comparison will help you anticipate changes in Charlotte's and Santa Ana's climates so you can prepare accordingly for your new environment.
Charlotte, NC
Santa Ana, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Charlotte, NC
Santa Ana, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Charlotte, NC
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Charlotte, NC
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Charlotte | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Ice Storms | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In moving from Charlotte to Santa Ana, you'll notice a significant increase in sunny days annually, making Santa Ana a brighter, more temperate place overall. The mild winter temperatures in Santa Ana, averaging around 70°F for highs, offer a stark contrast to Charlotte's colder winters. Moreover, to the surprise of many, Santa Ana has a lower average annual humidity level compared to Charlotte, contributing to a more comfortable climate year-round. These differences in climate can significantly impact daily life, influencing everything from wardrobe choices to outdoor activities and overall well-being.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charlotte to Santa Ana
Moving from one city to another involves not just a change in scenery but a significant shift in your financial landscape. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and economic opportunities in Charlotte compare to those in Santa Ana will help you prepare for your big move.
Comparison | Charlotte | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $70,869 | $80,265 |
Cost of Living Index | 93.2 | 136.4 |
State Income Tax | 5.25 | 9.3 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.02 | 0.72 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.25 | 7.75 |
Top 3 Industries | Banking, Airlines, Energy | Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
Homelessness | Moderate | Higher |
When moving from Charlotte to Santa Ana, you'll find yourself navigating a drastically different financial landscape. Santa Ana boasts a higher average household income, but this comes with a significantly higher cost of living, largely driven by housing costs. While both cities have their economic strengths, Santa Ana's economy is more diversified, with thriving manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors. Taxes are also a key factor to consider; although property taxes are lower in Santa Ana, the state income tax is substantially higher. Adjusting to these differences requires careful planning and budgeting to ensure a successful transition.
Charlotte vs. Santa Ana Political & Religious Comparison
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the local culture is crucial. This brief comparison aims to provide a quick snapshot of the comparison of the politics between Charlotte & Santa Ana , including insights into the political and religious makeup of each city's residents. Knowing this can help you better integrate into your new community.
Charlotte | Santa Ana | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately Conservative | Liberal |
Local Politics | Democratic lean in urban areas | Strong Democratic Presence |
Religion | Primarily Christian, Elevation Church presence | Diverse, includes Catholic and Protestant Christian, Diocese of San Diego influence |
While both Charlotte, NC, and Santa Ana, CA, showcase the diversity emblematic of American cities, your political and religious surroundings will change significantly with your move. Charlotte's moderate conservatism, coupled with a Democratic urban lean, contrasts with Santa Ana's liberal alignment and strong Democratic governance. This shift might affect local policies and community projects you care about. Religion plays a central role in both cities, though the denominations and institutions like Elevation Church in Charlotte and the Diocese of San Diego's influence in Santa Ana present differently. Embracing these changes will be a key part of your journey in transitioning smoothly to your new home.
Charlotte vs. Santa Ana Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from one city to another can be a significant adjustment, especially when it comes to your daily commute. To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like, we've created a comparison between the traffic and transportation options between Charlotte & Santa Ana . This overview should help you plan your days more efficiently in your new city.
Comparison | Charlotte | Santa Ana |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 26 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Moderately Feasible |
When considering the move from Charlotte to Santa Ana, it's important to note that while commute times are relatively similar, Santa Ana experiences slightly higher traffic congestion. However, Santa Ana offers better public transit options, making it more feasible to live without a personal vehicle compared to Charlotte. Exploring Santa Ana's transit systems, such as the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), could provide you with valuable options for navigating the city. On the other hand, Charlotte's transit, including buses and the light rail system, is improving but still has some way to go to match the convenience found in Santa Ana.



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