Santa Ana, CA → Chico, CA · Long-distance move
About 554 road miles heading northwest. Typical two-bedroom cost $4,400–$6,540, delivery in 2–5 days, 984 carriers on the Santa Ana side and 47 in Chico.
Chico sits about 554 miles northwest of Santa Ana, so this is an in-state move that most movers classify as a long-distance move.
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 $4,400 to $6,540 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 2 to 5 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 10 h 15 min.
On the Santa Ana side there are 984 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (394 of them authorized for interstate work), and 47 around Chico (22 interstate). For an in-state 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 Chico.
Santa Ana has a population of about 315,586 and Chico about 105,081. Santa Ana is considerably denser (11,364 people per square mile versus 2,976), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,760 | $2,140 | $2,620 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,640 | $3,220 | $3,920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $4,400 | $5,360 | $6,540 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $7,030 | $8,580 | $10,460 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $9,670 | $11,790 | $14,390 |
$870–$1,230
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,510–$2,230
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$4,400–$6,540
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Santa Ana, CA → Chico, 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: Home Express Delivery Service LLC
Legal name: S&l Meat Sales Company
Legal name: Dream Moore Incorporated
Legal name: Cleanrite INC
Legal name: Ulises Zepeda
Legal name: Wade Logan
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,760 to $2,620 for a studio, $2,640 to $3,920 for a one-bedroom, $4,400 to $6,540 for a two-bedroom, $7,030 to $10,460 for a three-bedroom and $9,670 to $14,390 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 554 road miles (470 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 10 h 15 min.
Expect a delivery window of 2 to 5 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.
No. Because both Santa Ana and Chico are in California, this is an intrastate move regulated by the state rather than the FMCSA. Still, choosing a carrier with an active USDOT number is the easiest way to confirm the company is a registered motor carrier with insurance on file.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $870 to $1,230 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,510 to $2,230. 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 Santa Ana–Chico corridor.