($1,007+) Lafayette, LA to Fontana, CA Movers
Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Fontana, CA, runs anywhere from $1,007 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,481 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,716 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,178, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,481 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,463 - $5,329, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,007 - $2,872.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lafayette, LA, to Fontana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,130 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Lafayette, LA to Fontana, CA
Moving options from Lafayette to Fontana fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,130 - $7,047 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,716-mile route typically takes 4 to 15 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,716-mile route from Lafayette to Fontana, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,178 - $5,058 | $1,463 - $2,758 | $1,007 - $1,821 | $1,369 - $2,507 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,130 - $7,047 | $1,964 - $3,629 | $1,068 - $2,280 | $1,512 - $3,117 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,744 - $9,481 | $2,579 - $5,329 | $1,400 - $2,872 | $2,003 - $4,058 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Lafayette, LA to Fontana, CA
For the 1,716-mile move from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Fontana, California, full-service movers cost between $2,178 and $9,481. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $305 - $2,032 (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 Lafayette generally start around $260 plus $260 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lafayette to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,178 - $5,058
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,130 - $7,047
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,744 - $9,481
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 Lafayette to Fontana.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Lafayette, LA to Fontana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 40% of Lafayette movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fontana, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing60% of local movers | $508 - $5,080 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready40% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $203 - $1,219/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $305 - $2,438 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage25% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,016 - $3,048 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,540 - $10,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $761 - $1,446 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Acadiana Movers | $1,016 - $2,540 |
| Piano | Any piano type20% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Acadiana Movers | $813 - $3,556 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $305 - $1,524 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers (LA) | $660 - $2,032 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $305 - $15,240+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $305 - $3,556+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Lafayette to Fontana?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Lafayette, LA. 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 Lafayette, LA to Fontana, CA
Moving containers from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Fontana, California, cost between $1,463 and $5,329. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Lafayette costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lafayette to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,463 - $2,758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,964 - $3,629
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,579 - $5,329
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $711 in Lafayette, LA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $76 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $152 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Fontana, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Louisiana 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 $1,463. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,964 - $3,629.
What are the best moving containers Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette:
- Acadiana Movers (4.4/5), 16 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 15 years in business
- Reliable Movers LLC (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Lafayette, LA to Fontana, CA
Plan on $1,007 - $2,872 for a rental moving truck on the 1,716-mile route from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Fontana, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $555 - $634
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Lafayette daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Lafayette to Fontana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,007 - $1,821
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,068 - $2,280
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,400 - $2,872
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Lafayette to Fontana starts at $1,007 - $2,872, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($555 - $634), overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $152 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 Lafayette, Louisiana, usually costs about $711 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,716-mile drive falls between $555 and $634, 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 $51 and $305 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Lafayette 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 Lafayette, LA to Fontana, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Fontana, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,512 and $3,117.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lafayette to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,369 - $2,507
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,512 - $3,117
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,003 - $4,058
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Lafayette, Louisiana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $711.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $76 - $152 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Lafayette to Fontana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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: Lafayette, LA 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 Lafayette on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Lafayette, LA | Fontana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 119 |
| Average rent | $2,825/mo | $3,000/mo |
| Median home value | $249,492 | $554,802 |
| Average income | $61,454/yr | $98,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 7.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 42/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 54.25/100 | 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 Lafayette, LA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana 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 73 movers based in Louisiana, handy for sizing up options on this 1,716-mile route.
Our take
A move from Lafayette, LA, to Fontana, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,178 - $9,481 on the 1,716-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,463 - $5,329, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,007 - $2,872. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,130 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include California Steel Industries and Fontana Unified.
FAQs: Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Fontana, CA
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 is the best time of year to move from Lafayette, LA to Fontana, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Fontana a safe place to live?
Fontana has a safety index of 68.35 out of 100 and a crime index of 31.65, compared to 54.25 and 45.75 in Lafayette. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Lafayette, LA to Fontana, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,068 - $2,280. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Lafayette movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 20% of movers in Lafayette handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.