Moving from Modesto to Fontana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Fontana costs $401–$8,400, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 357-mile route within California take 1–4 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Modesto to Fontana?
Moving from Modesto to Fontana doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 357-mile move:
Moving from Modesto to Fontana costs between $401 and $8,400, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 357-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $2,192–$5,849 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,332–$2,699 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $436–$931 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $128/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Fontana?
Movers typically charge between $401 and $8,400 for a Modesto to Fontana move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 357-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $1,312–$8,400
- Moving containers: $1,105–$3,369
- Rental trucks: $401–$1,082
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 357 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,312–$4,526 | $1,105–$1,865 | $401–$762 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,192–$5,849 | $1,332–$2,699 | $436–$931 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,179–$8,400 | $1,853–$3,369 | $534–$1,082 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Modesto to Fontana move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Modesto to Fontana move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $128/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Modesto to Fontana
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Modesto to Fontana, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 357 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Modesto to Fontana. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 357 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fontana to Modesto guide.
How does Fontana compare to Modesto?
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Fontana
Cost-of-living factors in Modesto vs. Fontana go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Fontana stacks up against Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $3,000 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $554,802 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $98,187 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $2,972 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $6,875 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.88% | 7.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Modesto and Fontana comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Fontana are 67% higher than in Modesto. Plan for a smaller savings rate or downsizing the unit unless your salary scales with the move.
- Home prices in Fontana are 34% higher than Modesto. The premium is significant enough to delay buying, expand commute radius, or downsize.
- Average income in Fontana is 26% higher than Modesto. The gap typically holds when adjusting for cost-of-living differences in the same role.
- Cost of living for one person in Fontana is 29% higher than Modesto. Plan to add roughly 29% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Fontana are 16% higher than Modesto. Most of the gap shows up in housing, childcare, and after-school programming.
- Unemployment rates in Fontana and Modesto match. Job market conditions are comparable for hiring and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Fontana are 13% lower than Modesto. Annual savings compound on routine spending and big-ticket items alike.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Modesto, expect to budget around $3,870 to maintain the same lifestyle in Fontana.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Fontana
A side-by-side comparison of life in Modesto vs. Fontana helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Modesto and Fontana so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| Modesto | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 212,704 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 14" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 31.65 |
- Fontana has a comparable population to Modesto. Local industries, neighborhood character, and amenities matter more than raw size.
- The last presidential election saw both Modesto and Fontana siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Fontana (94°F) and Modesto (94°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Modesto (39°F) match Fontana (43°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Modesto and Fontana is nearly identical, at 13 inches and 14 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in Modesto and Fontana is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Fontana (31.65) is lower than Modesto (65.76). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Fontana
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Fontana. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
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
Final verdict: best movers from Modesto to Fontana
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Modesto to Fontana, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $401–$8,400 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Modesto to Fontana
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Modesto to Fontana?
A full-service move from Modesto to Fontana ranges from $1,234 to $3,876 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $2,192–$5,849. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $3,179–$8,400 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Fontana?
Moving containers from Modesto to Fontana break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $765 to $1,831. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,332 and $2,699. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,853 to $3,369.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to Fontana?
A rental moving truck from Modesto to Fontana costs $409–$732 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $436–$931, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $534 and $1,082.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Fontana movers?
Ideally, book your move from Modesto to Fontana at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Modesto-to-Fontana movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Fontana?
For the cheapest move to Fontana, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
