Moving from Fontana to San Jose, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Fontana to San Jose costs between $423 to $8,245 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 385-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fontana to San Jose
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fontana to San Jose 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 Jose, 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 385 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,215 - $5,663 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,334 - $2,632 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $456 - $875 | 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 Jose?
It costs between $423 to $8,245 to move from Fontana to San Jose. The prices below break down your 385-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,279 - $8,245
- Moving containers: $1,119 - $3,257
- Rental trucks: $423 - $1,049
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,279 - $4,326 | $1,119 - $1,968 | $423 - $738 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,215 - $5,663 | $1,334 - $2,632 | $456 - $875 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,549 - $8,245 | $1,878 - $3,257 | $595 - $1,049 |
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 Jose
At 385 miles, your Fontana to San Jose 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 Jose. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 385 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 Jose. 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 Jose to Fontana guide.
Considerations when moving from Fontana to San Jose
Cost of living: Fontana vs. San Jose
When weighing the cost of living in Fontana versus San Jose, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in San Jose really compares to Fontana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fontana | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,000 | $3,095 |
| Average home cost | $554,802 | $1,184,000 |
| Average income (per capita) | $98,187 | $141,565 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,972 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,875 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 9.38% |
- Rent prices in San Jose are similar to those in Fontana, so your housing budget won’t change much, making your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in San Jose are 113% higher than in Fontana. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 44% higher than in Fontana. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 24% higher in San Jose compared to Fontana, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 22% higher than in Fontana. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make San Jose less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in San Jose is 13% lower than in Fontana. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are 21% higher in San Jose than in Fontana. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Fontana, you’d need about $3,720 in San Jose.
How life is different in Fontana vs. San Jose
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Fontana and San Jose. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Fontana | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,704 | 971,233 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 73-25 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 17" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 31.65 | 47.73 |
San Jose sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- San Jose is about 357% larger than Fontana. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Fontana and San Jose leaned Democratic.
- Summer temperatures in San Jose usually peak at 82°F, compared to Fontana at 94°F. Moving to a cooler city means breezier summers and less stress from relentless heat.
- In the coldest months, both Fontana and San Jose face similar winter lows—Fontana drops to 43°F, while San Jose falls to 42°F.
- Both Fontana and San Jose receive similar amounts of rain annually—Fontana gets about 14 inches, while San Jose sees around 17 inches each year.
- Both Fontana and San Jose receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- San Jose reports a higher crime index than Fontana, with scores of 47.73 and 31.65, respectively.
Things to do in San Jose
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? San Jose has it all.
Museums in San Jose
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Children's Discovery Museum
- The Tech Interactive
- San Jose Museum of Art
- New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum
Parks in San Jose
- Almaden Quicksilver County Park
- Alum Rock Park
- Emma Prusch Farm Park
- Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
- Joseph D. Grant County Park
Sports teams in San Jose
- San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
- San Jose Giants (California League)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
Universities in San Jose
- San Jose State University
- San Jose City College
- Evergreen Valley College
- International Technological University
- WestMed College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fontana to San Jose?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Fontana to San Jose, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,234 and $3,642. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $2,215 up to $5,663. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $3,549 to $8,245 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Fontana to San Jose?
Moving containers from Fontana to San Jose will cost you $738 to $1,876 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,334 to $2,632. A larger home will cost $1,878 to $3,257.
How much is a moving truck from Fontana to San Jose?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $427 to $753. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $456 and $875. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Fontana to San Jose, costs usually fall between $595 and $1,049.
How far in advance should I book Fontana-to-San Jose movers?
To make your move from Fontana to San Jose as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Jose?
For the best deals on your move to San Jose, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
