Moving from Stockton to Fontana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Stockton to Fontana costs between $406 to $8,410 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 382-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Stockton to Fontana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Stockton to Fontana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Stockton 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 382 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,043 - $5,663 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,348 - $2,606 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $460 - $940 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | MidCal Moving and Storage Company | $100/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 Stockton to Fontana?
It costs between $406 to $8,410 to move from Stockton to Fontana. The prices below break down your 382-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,318 - $8,410
- Moving containers: $1,097 - $3,223
- Rental trucks: $406 - $1,115
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,318 - $4,549 | $1,097 - $1,854 | $406 - $808 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,043 - $5,663 | $1,348 - $2,606 | $460 - $940 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,618 - $8,410 | $1,896 - $3,223 | $572 - $1,115 |
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 | $375 - $3,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $250 - $1,000 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $63 - $250 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Stockton to Fontana
At 382 miles, your Stockton 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 Stockton to Fontana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 382 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Stockton to Fontana. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 467 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fontana to Stockton guide.
Considerations when moving from Stockton to Fontana
Cost of living: Stockton vs. Fontana
When comparing the cost of living between Stockton 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 Stockton.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Stockton | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,775 | $3,000 |
| Average home cost | $410,790 | $554,802 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,851 | $98,187 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,767 | $2,972 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,810 | $6,875 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 7.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.0% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in Fontana are 69% higher than in Stockton. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Fontana are 35% higher than in Stockton, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 28% higher than in Stockton. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Cost of living for one person in Fontana is 21% lower than in Stockton. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- Your cost of living in Fontana will be roughly the same as it was in Stockton, so your budget should stay on track after the move.
- Unemployment in Fontana is 26% lower than in Stockton. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are about 14% cheaper in Fontana than in Stockton, which can lighten your cost of living if you tend to spend more on taxable goods and services.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,370 in Fontana to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Stockton.
How life is different in Stockton vs. Fontana
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Fontana vs. Stockton. 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.
| Stockton | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,804 | 212,704 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 93ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 17" | 14" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 75.2 | 31.65 |
Fontana sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Fontana has about 34% fewer people than Stockton. 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 Stockton and Fontana voted Democratic.
- Both Fontana and Stockton average summer highs close to 94°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Stockton and Fontana experience similar winter lows, with Stockton reaching 38°F and Fontana getting down to 43°F.
- Both Stockton and Fontana see about the same yearly rainfall—Stockton averages 17 inches, while Fontana gets 14 inches each year.
- Both Stockton and Fontana receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Fontana is safer than Stockton, boasting a lower crime index of 31.65 compared to Stockton’s 75.2.
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 Stockton to Fontana?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Stockton to Fontana, expect to pay between $1,271 and $3,532 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,043 and $5,663. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $3,618 up to $8,410 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Stockton to Fontana?
If you’re moving from Stockton 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 $723 and go up to $1,730. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,348 and $2,606. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,896 and $3,223.
How much is a moving truck from Stockton 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 $436 to $784. A larger move will cost $460 to $940, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Stockton to Fontana costs from $572 to $1,115.
How far in advance should I book Stockton-to-Fontana movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Stockton 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 Stockton-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.
