Moving from Fontana to San Diego, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Fontana to San Diego costs between $120 to $4,861 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 109-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fontana to San Diego
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fontana to San Diego are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fontana to driving and unloading in San Diego, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 109 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,327 - $4,008 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,036 - $1,909 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $132 - $215 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Trek Movers | $110/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Fontana to San Diego?
It costs between $120 to $4,861 to move from Fontana to San Diego. The prices below break down your 109-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $724 - $4,861
- Moving containers: $816 - $2,270
- Rental trucks: $120 - $238
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $724 - $3,131 | $816 - $1,434 | $120 - $180 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,327 - $4,008 | $1,036 - $1,909 | $132 - $215 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,860 - $4,861 | $1,271 - $2,270 | $151 - $238 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $357 - $2,975+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $238 - $952 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $60 - $238 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fontana to San Diego
At 109 miles, your Fontana to San Diego move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Fontana to San Diego. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 109 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fontana to San Diego. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Diego to Fontana guide.
Considerations when moving from Fontana to San Diego
Cost of living: Fontana vs. San Diego
Comparing life in Fontana and San Diego goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in San Diego stacks up against Fontana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fontana | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,000 | $2,881 |
| Average home cost | $554,802 | $847,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $98,187 | $104,321 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,972 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,875 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are comparable to Fontana, so your budget should stay about the same, taking some stress off your wallet.
- Home prices in San Diego are 53% higher than in Fontana. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in San Diego is 6% higher than in Fontana, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 13% higher in San Diego compared to Fontana. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to San Diego, expect living costs to be about 12% higher than in Fontana. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making San Diego a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 13% lower than in Fontana, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales taxes match in San Diego and Fontana, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Fontana, you’d need roughly $3,390 to maintain the same lifestyle in San Diego.
How life is different in Fontana vs. San Diego
Before you move, see how life stacks up in San Diego compared to Fontana. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Fontana | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,704 | 1,386,932 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 60-37 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 12" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 31.65 | 39.83 |
San Diego sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of San Diego is approximately 552% greater than the population of Fontana. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- Fontana and San Diego both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summers in San Diego average 79°F, while Fontana reaches 94°F. Expect more comfortable summers and lower cooling costs in your new city.
- During the chilliest months, both Fontana and San Diego experience similar lows—expect 43°F in Fontana and 46°F in San Diego.
- Both Fontana and San Diego experience similar annual rainfall, with Fontana receiving 14 inches and San Diego getting 12 inches.
- Both Fontana and San Diego receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime is higher in San Diego (39.83) than in Fontana (31.65).
Things to do in San Diego
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in San Diego.
Museums in San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Parks in San Diego
- La Jolla Cove
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla Shores Park
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Sports teams in San Diego
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Diego Gulls (AHL)
- San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Universities in San Diego
- California State University-San Marcos
- California Western School of Law
- San Diego Christian College
- National University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fontana to San Diego?
Shipping furniture from Fontana to San Diego with a mover will cost between $621 and $2,833. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,327–$4,008, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Fontana to San Diego will cost from $1,860–$4,861.
How much are moving container companies from Fontana to San Diego?
If you're moving from Fontana to San Diego and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $594 to $1,254. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,036 and $1,909. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,271 up to $2,270.
How much is a moving truck from Fontana to San Diego?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $121 and $188. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $132 to $215. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Fontana to San Diego, truck rental prices typically range from $151 up to $238.
How far in advance should I book Fontana-to-San Diego movers?
For a smooth move from Fontana to San Diego, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Diego?
To score the best moving deals to San Diego, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
