Moving from Irvine to Fontana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Irvine to Fontana costs between $39 to $3,958 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 48-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Irvine to Fontana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Irvine to Fontana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Irvine to driving and unloading in Fontana, 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 48 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $827 - $2,498 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $376 - $1,177 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $49 - $119 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $75/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 Irvine to Fontana?
It costs between $39 to $3,958 to move from Irvine to Fontana. The prices below break down your 48-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $467 - $3,958
- Moving containers: $117 - $1,566
- Rental trucks: $39 - $150
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $467 - $1,418 | $117 - $822 | $39 - $92 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $827 - $2,498 | $376 - $1,177 | $49 - $119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,264 - $3,958 | $816 - $1,566 | $62 - $150 |
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 | $495 - $4,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $330 - $1,320 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $83 - $330 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Irvine to Fontana
At 48 miles, your Irvine to Fontana 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 Irvine to Fontana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 48 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Irvine to Fontana. 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 Fontana to Irvine guide.
Considerations when moving from Irvine to Fontana
Cost of living: Irvine vs. Fontana
When comparing the cost of living between Irvine and Fontana, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Fontana stacks up against Irvine.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Irvine | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $4,000 | $3,000 |
| Average home cost | $1,113,305 | $554,802 |
| Average income (per capita) | $129,647 | $98,187 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $9,167 | $2,972 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $18,000 | $6,875 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 7.75% |
- Rent in Fontana is about 25% cheaper than in Irvine, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Fontana are 50% lower than in Irvine, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Fontana is 24% lower than in Irvine. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Fontana is 68% lower than in Irvine. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Fontana is 62% lower than in Irvine. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Fontana is 41% higher than in Irvine. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Fontana and Irvine, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $960 in Fontana to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Irvine.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Fontana
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Fontana vs. Irvine. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Irvine | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 212,704 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 14" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 31.65 |
Fontana sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Fontana has about 31% fewer people than Irvine. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, both Irvine and Fontana voted Democratic.
- In Fontana, summer highs often climb to 94°F, hotter than Irvine where averages reach 82°F. Prepare for extra sun and the challenges of hotter weather.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Irvine and Fontana experience similar winter lows, with Irvine reaching 46°F and Fontana getting down to 43°F.
- Both Irvine and Fontana see about the same yearly rainfall—Irvine averages 13 inches, while Fontana gets 14 inches each year.
- Both Irvine and Fontana receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Both Irvine and Fontana share similar crime rates, so you won’t notice much difference in safety between them.
Things to do in Fontana
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Fontana has you covered.
Museums in Fontana
- Mary Vagle Museum & Nature Center
Parks in Fontana
- Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park
Sports teams in Fontana
- Fontana Fury (Football)
- Fontana Flyers (Basketball)
Universities in Fontana
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Irvine to Fontana?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Irvine to Fontana, expect to pay between $333 and $1,191 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $827 and $2,498. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,264 up to $3,958 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Irvine to Fontana?
If you’re moving from Irvine to Fontana and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $123 and go up to $774. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $376 and $1,177. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $816 and $1,566.
How much is a moving truck from Irvine to Fontana?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $36 to $99. A larger move will cost $49 to $119, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Irvine to Fontana costs from $62 to $150.
How far in advance should I book Irvine-to-Fontana movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Irvine to Fontana at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Irvine-to-Fontana movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Fontana?
To save money on your move to Fontana, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
