Moving from Modesto to Fontana, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Fontana costs between $401 to $7,997 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 357-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Modesto to Fontana
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to Fontana are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Modesto 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 357 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,150 - $5,849 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,332 - $2,491 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $423 - $931 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Brewer Moving LLC | $128/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 Modesto to Fontana?
It costs between $401 to $7,997 to move from Modesto to Fontana. The prices below break down your 357-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,248 - $7,997
- Moving containers: $1,020 - $3,204
- Rental trucks: $401 - $1,050
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,248 - $4,348 | $1,020 - $1,904 | $401 - $725 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,150 - $5,849 | $1,332 - $2,491 | $423 - $931 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,443 - $7,997 | $1,727 - $3,204 | $540 - $1,050 |
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 | $348 - $2,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $128/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $232 - $928 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $58 - $232 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Modesto to Fontana
At 357 miles, your Modesto 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 Modesto to Fontana. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 357 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to Fontana. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 467 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fontana to Modesto guide.
Considerations when moving from Modesto to Fontana
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Fontana
The cost of living in Modesto vs. Fontana goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see 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% |
- Rent prices in Fontana are 67% higher than in Modesto. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Fontana are 34% higher than in Modesto. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Fontana, where the average salary is 26% higher than in Modesto, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in Fontana is 29% higher than in Modesto, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Fontana? Get ready for living expenses to be about 16% higher than in Modesto. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Fontana is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Fontana and Modesto are the same, which indicates a similar job market and employment outlook as your current hometown.
- You’ll benefit from 13% lower sales taxes in Fontana compared to Modesto, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
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
As you plan your move, comparing life in Modesto vs. Fontana is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Modesto and Fontana to help you evaluate which city may be 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 sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving between Modesto and Fontana usually feels pretty seamless since both cities have similar populations. But don’t be fooled—while the headcount is about the same, what sets them apart is the culture, local economy, city layout, and cost of living. Those are the differences you’ll actually notice.
- The last presidential election saw both Modesto and Fontana siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Fontana and Modesto are nearly identical, with averages around 94°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Modesto and Fontana experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 39°F and 43°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Modesto to Fontana. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 13 inches in Modesto and 14 inches in Fontana.
- Both Modesto and Fontana receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Fontana has a lower crime rate than Modesto, with a crime index of 31.65 vs 65.76.
Things to do in Fontana
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Fontana has something for everyone.
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 Modesto to Fontana?
Moving your furniture from Modesto to Fontana with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,187 to $3,582. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $2,150 and $5,849. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $3,443 to $7,997 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Fontana?
If you’re moving from Modesto to Fontana and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $788 to $1,705. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,332 and $2,491. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,727 to $3,204.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to Fontana?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $421 and $718. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $423 to $931. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Modesto to Fontana, rental prices generally fall between $540 and $1,050.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Fontana movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Modesto to Fontana at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Modesto-to-Fontana movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Fontana?
If you want to save money on your move to Fontana, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
