($1,539+) Arlington, VA to Fontana, CA Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Fontana, CA, runs anywhere from $1,463 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,942 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,618 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,576, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,942 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,961 - $7,280, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,463 - $4,527.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Fontana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,704 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Fontana, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Arlington to Fontana: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,704 - $7,789. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,618 miles, expect 7 to 21 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,618-mile route from Arlington to Fontana, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,576 - $5,950 | $1,961 - $3,692 | $1,463 - $2,804 | $1,678 - $3,458 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,704 - $7,789 | $2,644 - $5,348 | $1,733 - $3,585 | $2,013 - $4,195 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,388 - $11,942 | $3,641 - $7,280 | $2,022 - $4,527 | $2,664 - $5,767 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Fontana, CA
For the 2,618-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Fontana, California, full-service movers cost between $2,576 and $11,942. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $438 - $2,920 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Arlington generally start around $200 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,576 - $5,950
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,704 - $7,789
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,388 - $11,942
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Arlington to Fontana.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Fontana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Fontana, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $730 - $7,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $292 - $1,752/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $438 - $3,504 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,460 - $4,380 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,650 - $14,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,094 - $2,078 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,460 - $3,650 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,168 - $5,110 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $438 - $2,190 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $949 - $2,920 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $438 - $21,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $438 - $5,110+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Fontana?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Arlington, VA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Fontana, CA
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Fontana, California, cost between $1,961 and $7,280. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Arlington typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,961 - $3,692
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,644 - $5,348
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,641 - $7,280
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Arlington, VA and Fontana, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,022 in Arlington, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $110 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $219 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,961. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,644 - $5,348, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Arlington to Fontana?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Arlington to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Arlington:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Fontana, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,618-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Fontana, California, costs between $1,463 and $4,527, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,216 - $1,390
- Daily insurance: $44/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Fontana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,463 - $2,804
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,733 - $3,585
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,022 - $4,527
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,463 - $4,527 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Arlington to Fontana. Fuel ($1,216 - $1,390) , lodging at around $219/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $219 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Arlington, Virginia, usually costs about $1,022 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,618-mile drive falls between $1,216 and $1,390, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $73 and $438 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Fontana?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Arlington, VA to Fontana, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Arlington, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Fontana, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $2,013 and $4,195.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,678 - $3,458
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,013 - $4,195
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,664 - $5,767
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $110 - $219 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for about five hours typically runs $1,022.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Fontana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA vs Fontana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fontana, side by side with Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Fontana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 119 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $3,000/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $554,802 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $98,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 68.35/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fontana, CA to Arlington, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 104 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 2,618-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Arlington, VA, to Fontana, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,576 - $11,942 on the 2,618-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,961 - $7,280 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,463 - $4,527 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,704 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include California Steel Industries and Fontana Unified.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Fontana, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Arlington, VA to Fontana, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Fontana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,576 to $11,942, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,576 and $11,942, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Fontana?
Fontana has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 71 and 72 in Arlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,216 - $1,390), daily insurance ($44/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $29) on top. Overnight stops can add another $219/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.