Chicago, IL to Fontana, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Fontana typically costs $3,500–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,969 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Fontana
Moving from Chicago, IL to Fontana, CA typically costs $3,500–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,969-mile move from Chicago to Fontana, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,032 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,979 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $6,319 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 31, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 24, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 12, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Fontana
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,500, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,800.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,200–$3,500) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Fontana movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Fontana
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Chicago to Fontana, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IL→CA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 100 Illinois moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Fontana
Many movers find Fontana easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 19% less for singles and 26% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,972 for one person in Fontana versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $6,875 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $2,000 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $631,669 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $72,918 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,972 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $6,875 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 47% higher in Fontana compared to Chicago; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 114% greater in Fontana than in Chicago.
- Fortunately, the average income in Fontana and Chicago is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Fontana. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 19% lower than in Chicago.
- Choosing to move to Fontana can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 26% less than in Chicago.
- Fontana enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 16% lower compared to Chicago, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 24% in Fontana compared to Chicago, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 169% higher in California than in Illinois, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chicago and Fontana:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $226.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $61.89 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.99 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $10.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $55.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Fontana, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in Fontana.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Fontana.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Fontana.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Fontana.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Fontana.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Fontana
| Chicago | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 212,704 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 41 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 31.65 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 68.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fontana's population is about 92% less than Chicago.
- Fontana's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Fontana is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Fontana has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Fontana's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 31.65 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Fontana neighborhoods are safer than 31.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Fontana is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 68.35 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Fontana is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Fontana move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Fontana. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Fontana
Now that you've decided to make the move to , these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Fontana.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Fontana
- North Fontana
- Rancho Fontana
- South Fontana
- Walnut Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sierra Lakes
- Hunter's Ridge
- Southridge Village
- Heritage Village
- Summit Heights
Things to do in Fontana
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Fontana has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fontana, such as the Mary Vagle Museum & Nature Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Fontana Fury (Football)Fontana Flyers (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Fontana?
The best time to move from Chicago to Fontana is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Fontana?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chicago to Fontana, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Chicago to Fontana take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Fontana, CA covers 1,969 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Fontana.
Which movers in Chicago give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Chicago?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 54 movers in Chicago advertise piano moving expertise. 40 movers in Chicago provide antique moving services. State totals show 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
