Richmond, VA → Santa Ana, CA · Cross-country move
About 2,675 road miles heading west. Typical two-bedroom cost $8,880–$13,200, delivery in 7–14 days, 400 carriers on the Richmond side and 984 in Santa Ana.
Moving from Richmond to Santa Ana is a cross-country move of roughly 2,675 road miles, heading west from Virginia to California.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $8,880 to $13,200 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 7 to 14 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 46 hours (6 driving days).
On the Richmond side there are 400 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (215 of them authorized for interstate work), and 984 around Santa Ana (394 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Santa Ana.
Richmond has a population of about 237,257 and Santa Ana about 315,586. Santa Ana is the denser city (11,364 people per square mile versus 3,783 in Richmond), which often means shuttle trucks, parking restrictions or building move-in windows on delivery day. California is a higher-cost state than Virginia, so budget a little more for destination-side help, deposits and first-month expenses.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $3,550 | $4,330 | $5,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $5,330 | $6,490 | $7,920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $8,880 | $10,820 | $13,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $14,200 | $17,320 | $21,130 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $19,530 | $23,810 | $29,050 |
$3,650–$5,150
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$3,410–$5,010
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$8,880–$13,200
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Richmond, VA → Santa Ana, CA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Tforce Freight INC
Legal name: The Wes Stewart Corporation
Legal name: Rcs Moving LLC
Legal name: D1 Moving LLC
Legal name: Centre Carriers Corp
Legal name: Home Express Delivery Service LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $3,550 to $5,280 for a studio, $5,330 to $7,920 for a one-bedroom, $8,880 to $13,200 for a two-bedroom, $14,200 to $21,130 for a three-bedroom and $19,530 to $29,050 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 2,675 road miles (2,267 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 46 hours (6 driving days).
Expect a delivery window of 7 to 14 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Virginia into California makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $3,650 to $5,150 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $3,410 to $5,010. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Richmond–Santa Ana corridor.