Moving from Irvine to Ontario, CA
Quick answer: Moving from Irvine to Ontario costs between $37 to $3,838 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 32-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Irvine to Ontario
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Irvine to Ontario are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Irvine to driving and unloading in Ontario, 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 32 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $811 - $2,602 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $403 - $1,177 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $47 - $120 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $75/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 Irvine to Ontario?
It costs between $37 to $3,838 to move from Irvine to Ontario. The prices below break down your 32-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $435 - $3,838
- Moving containers: $129 - $1,597
- Rental trucks: $37 - $149
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $435 - $1,363 | $129 - $855 | $37 - $96 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $811 - $2,602 | $403 - $1,177 | $47 - $120 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,264 - $3,838 | $840 - $1,597 | $65 - $149 |
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 | $495 - $4,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $330 - $1,320 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $83 - $330 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Irvine to Ontario
At 32 miles, your Irvine to Ontario 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 Irvine to Ontario. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 32 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Irvine to Ontario. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ontario to Irvine guide.
Considerations when moving from Irvine to Ontario
Cost of living: Irvine vs. Ontario
When weighing the cost of living in Irvine versus Ontario, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Ontario really compares to Irvine.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Irvine | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $4,000 | $2,619 |
| Average home cost | $1,113,305 | $564,076 |
| Average income (per capita) | $129,647 | $82,806 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $9,167 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $18,000 | $5,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 8.75% |
- Rent in Ontario is around 35% less expensive than in Irvine, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Ontario are 49% lower than in Irvine. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Ontario is 36% lower than in Irvine, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in Ontario is 73% cheaper for one person compared to Irvine. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Ontario, you’ll find that the cost of living is 68% lower than in Irvine. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Ontario is 28% higher than in Irvine. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are 13% higher in Ontario than in Irvine. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Irvine, you’d need about $810 in Ontario.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Ontario
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Irvine and Ontario. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Irvine | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 175,265 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 50.25 |
Ontario sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Ontario is approximately 43% lower than the population of Irvine. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Irvine and Ontario leaned Democratic.
- Ontario regularly records highs near 92°F, compared to Irvine at 82°F. Relocating here means more intense summers and greater focus on cooling and comfort.
- In the coldest months, both Irvine and Ontario face similar winter lows—Irvine drops to 46°F, while Ontario falls to 43°F.
- Both Irvine and Ontario receive similar amounts of rain annually—Irvine gets about 13 inches, while Ontario sees around 16 inches each year.
- Both Irvine and Ontario receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Ontario reports a higher crime index than Irvine, with scores of 50.25 and 31.01, respectively.
Things to do in Ontario
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Ontario has it all.
Museums in Ontario
- Museum of History and Art, Ontario
Parks in Ontario
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Sports teams in Ontario
- Ontario Reign (Hockey)
- Ontario Professional Baseball (Dodgers Affiliate - 2026)
Universities in Ontario
- University of La Verne
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Irvine to Ontario?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Irvine to Ontario, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $361 and $1,202. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $811 up to $2,602. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,264 to $3,838 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Irvine to Ontario?
Moving containers from Irvine to Ontario will cost you $116 to $838 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $403 to $1,177. A larger home will cost $840 to $1,597.
How much is a moving truck from Irvine to Ontario?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $39 to $100. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $47 and $120. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Irvine to Ontario, costs usually fall between $65 and $149.
How far in advance should I book Irvine-to-Ontario movers?
To make your move from Irvine to Ontario as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Ontario?
For the best deals on your move to Ontario, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.