Moving from Fresno to Fontana, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Fresno to Fontana costs between $360 to $7,292 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 263-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fresno to Fontana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fresno to Fontana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fresno 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 263 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,783 - $5,484 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,317 - $2,442 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $367 - $746 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Colonial Van & Storage | $135/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 Fresno to Fontana?
It costs between $360 to $7,292 to move from Fresno to Fontana. The prices below break down your 263-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,160 - $7,292
- Moving containers: $990 - $3,024
- Rental trucks: $360 - $843
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,160 - $4,171 | $990 - $1,850 | $360 - $630 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,783 - $5,484 | $1,317 - $2,442 | $367 - $746 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,530 - $7,292 | $1,634 - $3,024 | $454 - $843 |
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 | $312 - $2,600+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $135/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $208 - $832 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $208 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fresno to Fontana
At 263 miles, your Fresno 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 Fresno to Fontana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 263 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fresno to Fontana. They've been in business since 2003 (23 years of experience) and 84.6% of their 500 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fontana to Fresno guide.
Considerations when moving from Fresno to Fontana
Cost of living: Fresno vs. Fontana
When comparing the cost of living between Fresno 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 Fresno.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fresno | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,650 | $3,000 |
| Average home cost | $347,152 | $554,802 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,804 | $98,187 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,277 | $2,972 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,358 | $6,875 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.09% | 7.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.98% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in Fontana are 82% higher than in Fresno. 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 60% higher than in Fresno, 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 47% higher than in Fresno. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Fontana are 31% higher than in Fresno, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 28% higher than in Fresno. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Fontana one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Fontana is 7% higher than in Fresno. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Fontana and Fresno, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,930 in Fontana to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Fresno.
How life is different in Fresno vs. Fontana
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Fontana vs. Fresno. 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.
| Fresno | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,107 | 212,704 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 98ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 14" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 56.85 | 31.65 |
Fontana sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Fontana has about 61% fewer people than Fresno. 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 Fresno and Fontana voted Democratic.
- Both Fontana and Fresno 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 Fresno and Fontana experience similar winter lows, with Fresno reaching 38°F and Fontana getting down to 43°F.
- Both Fresno and Fontana see about the same yearly rainfall—Fresno averages 13 inches, while Fontana gets 14 inches each year.
- Both Fresno 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 Fresno, boasting a lower crime index of 31.65 compared to Fresno’s 56.85.
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 Fresno to Fontana?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Fresno to Fontana, expect to pay between $1,002 and $3,703 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,783 and $5,484. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $2,530 up to $7,292 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Fresno to Fontana?
If you’re moving from Fresno 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 $683 and go up to $1,645. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,317 and $2,442. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,634 and $3,024.
How much is a moving truck from Fresno 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 $353 to $611. A larger move will cost $367 to $746, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Fresno to Fontana costs from $454 to $843.
How far in advance should I book Fresno-to-Fontana movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Fresno 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 Fresno-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.
