($901+) Houston, TX to Fontana, CA Movers
Moving from Houston, TX, to Fontana, CA, runs anywhere from $901 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,007 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,501 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 $2,240, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,007 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,448 - $4,873, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $901 - $2,662.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Houston, TX, to Fontana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,843 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Houston, TX to Fontana, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Houston 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 $2,843 - $6,523. Containers cost roughly 35% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 64% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,501 miles, expect 4 to 15 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 1,501-mile route from Houston to Fontana, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,240 - $5,078 | $1,448 - $2,716 | $901 - $1,657 | $1,179 - $2,351 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,843 - $6,523 | $1,852 - $3,469 | $1,034 - $1,971 | $1,410 - $2,746 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,095 - $9,007 | $2,375 - $4,873 | $1,177 - $2,662 | $1,958 - $3,783 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Houston, TX to Fontana, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Houston, Texas, to Fontana, California, costs between $2,240 and $9,007. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,501-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $317 - $2,116, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Houston and Fontana. For a rough baseline, movers based in Houston tend to start around $175 plus $75/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Houston to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,240 - $5,078
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,843 - $6,523
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,095 - $9,007
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 Houston 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.
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Specialty moving services from Houston, TX to Fontana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Houston movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fontana, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $529 - $5,290 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $212 - $1,270/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $317 - $2,539 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $1,058 - $3,174 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,645 - $10,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $792 - $1,506 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $1,058 - $2,645 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $846 - $3,703 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $317 - $1,587 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationally | $688 - $2,116 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $317 - $15,870+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $317 - $3,703+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Houston 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Houston, TX. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Houston, TX to Fontana, CA
Moving containers from Houston, Texas, to Fontana, California, cost between $1,448 and $4,873. 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 Houston typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Houston to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,448 - $2,716
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,852 - $3,469
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,375 - $4,873
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $79 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $159 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $741 in Houston, TX, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Fontana, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,448. 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 $1,852 - $3,469.
What are the best moving containers Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- Square Cow (4.9/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Houston, TX to Fontana, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,501-mile move from Houston, Texas, to Fontana, California, costs between $901 and $2,662, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $505 - $577
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Houston daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Houston to Fontana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $901 - $1,657
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,034 - $1,971
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,177 - $2,662
Pro tip: The base rate of $901 - $2,662 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Houston to Fontana. Fuel ($505 - $577), lodging at around $159/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging 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 $159 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 Houston, Texas, usually costs about $741 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,501-mile drive falls between $505 and $577, 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 $53 and $317 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Houston 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 Houston, TX to Fontana, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Houston, Texas, to Fontana, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $952 and $2,746.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Houston to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,179 - $2,351
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,410 - $2,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,958 - $3,783
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Houston, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $741.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $79 - $159 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 Houston 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Houston to Fontana, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Houston, TX 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 Houston on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Houston, TX | Fontana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 97 | 119 |
| Average rent | $1,549/mo | $3,000/mo |
| Median home value | $258,925 | $554,802 |
| Average income | $62,894/yr | $98,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 7.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 47/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 36.5/100 | 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 Houston, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Texas to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 803 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,501-mile move.
Our take
The 1,501-mile move from Houston, TX, to Fontana, CA, costs between $2,240 and $9,007 with full-service movers, $1,448 - $4,873 with a moving container, and $901 - $2,662 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,843 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include California Steel Industries and Fontana Unified.
FAQs: Moving from Houston, TX, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Fontana?
For families, Sierra Lakes, Hunter's Ridge, and Southridge Village are worth a look in Fontana. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Fontana, North Fontana, and Rancho Fontana tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Fontana?
Fontana has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 47 and 49 in Houston. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 36.5 and 63.5 in Houston. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Houston, TX 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.
What percentage of Houston movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Houston handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.