349 movers in Santa Barbara
United Transportation Moving & Storage
Jeremy said: I would use them again without hesitation. The crew showed up ready and got straight to work. They handled the loading and unloading without making it chaotic. Nothing felt rushed, but they also didn't waste time. The team worked well together and kept things moving the whole day. The whole process was under control. Read more at: https://moveadvisor.com/movers/united-transportation-moving-and-storage-2154
Hollister Moving and Storage
"I contracted with Hollister Moving and Storage to move me from Hollister to Wyoming. Though they ([NAME EDIT]) promised to 'take care' of me, it was absolutely my worst nightmare! They damaged or 'lost' everything that I own(ed). They now refuse t..."
Republic Moving & Storage
"STAY AWAY FROM THIS MOVER! I had a binding contract with Republic Moving in San Diego that Don et al decided once they had all of my household goods in their warehouse to attempt to extort more money from me; a violation of the contract. Don told..."
Best Moving Van Lines
"This company was subcontracted by my daughter-in-law's primary movers, Allegiance Van Lines, to move her furniture and boxes from LA to Chicago. Not only did the furniture arrive more than 10 days late, they also lost her new $2,800 Casper Wave ma..."
Cal Van Lines
"This was a long move and the first time I have ever moved this far and with a moving company. It was the worst experience I have experienced in my life. I would never, ever use this company again, as long as I live. I had to make a claim with Cal ..."
Mont-Rose Moving Systems Inc.
"I hired Mont-Rose/Mayflower to move me in state. For the most part the move went great. The problem came when I had damaged items and filed a claim. Everything was taken care of with no issues except my computer. It had been dropped on its corner ..."
Avl Moving Systems
"Never,..ever,..even consider using this company in Santa Clarita. AVL Moving Systems. The previous negative reviews are indeed correct. Other than the nice guy in sales, (but who still mislead me into thinking that things were far more inclusive ..."
Golden State Van Lines
"Wanted to share my experience about my move with Golden state Van lines. they have quoted me the best price and I went a head with them as you were refereed by my friend(who was referred by his friend). you pick-up was the good. you guys came o..."
What to know when moving to Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 41.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 78.2% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $79,868, providing a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- The median gross rent is $2,109, which is relatively high.
- Commute:
- Only 3.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 33.5 inches of rain annually, with the wettest months in winter.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Santa Barbara has a population of 30,496, characterized by a significant renter presence at 78.2%. While the median household income is a solid $79,868, nearly 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has a relatively high education level, with 41.1% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The climate brings about 33.5 inches of precipitation a year, with most rain falling during the winter.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median gross rent stands at $2,109.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,109, which can strain a budget, especially for renters.
- Median home value is $1,122,200, indicating a high cost of homeownership.
- 41.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 17.1%, suggesting economic challenges for some residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for California indicates a mixed picture; while property crime has decreased by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025, the state annual rate for property crime in 2025 stands at 1,764 per 100,000 people, which is 14% higher than the national average. Violent crime has also dropped by 17.4% in the same period, with a rate of 415.5 per 100,000, 27.7% higher than the national rate.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Santa Barbara has access to several higher education institutions, contributing to its educated population.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 7
- With College Scorecard data: 7
- Local options include University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, and Westmont College.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Santa Barbara experiences an annual high of 81°F and an average low of 47°F, with 33.5 inches of rain spread throughout the year, particularly in winter. The area enjoys 333 days of sunshine, making it favorable for outdoor activities.
- Arroyo Burro Beach County Park: 4.7 stars (3,331 reviews)
- Shoreline Park: 4.8 stars (2,508 reviews)
- Goleta Beach Park: 4.5 stars (3,047 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Santa Barbara County has a labor force of 221,450, with an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 4.9%
- Employed: 210,704
- Labor force: 221,450
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
