($1,241+) Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH Movers
The cost to move from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH ranges from $1,276 to $10,961, with an average cost of $4,250. Moves can be as low as $1,241 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,137 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH
Moving options from Fontana to Dayton fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,276 - $10,961 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,250, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,137 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,137-mile route from Fontana to Dayton, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,276 - $5,628 with full-service movers, $1,548 - $3,258 with a container, $1,169 - $2,349 with a rental truck, or $1,437 - $2,736 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,562 - $7,732 full-service, $2,088 - $4,178 by container, $1,318 - $2,851 by rental truck, or $1,721 - $3,516 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,426 - $10,961 full-service, $2,806 - $6,001 by container, $1,679 - $3,494 by rental truck, or $2,361 - $4,942 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH
Full-service movers for the 2,137-mile relocation from Fontana, California, to Dayton, Ohio, cost between $1,276 and $10,961. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $310 - $2,068, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Fontana typically charge a base rate around $259 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fontana to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,276 - $5,628
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,562 - $7,732
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,426 - $10,961
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 Fontana to Dayton.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Fontana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Dayton, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $517 - $5,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $207 - $1,241/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $310 - $2,482 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,034 - $3,102 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,585 - $10,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $774 - $1,471 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $1,034 - $2,585 |
| Piano | Any piano type32% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $827 - $3,619 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $310 - $1,551 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $672 - $2,068 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $310 - $15,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $310 - $3,619+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fontana to Dayton?
Ohio Association of Movers membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Ohio, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Fontana, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH
Moving containers from Fontana, California, to Dayton, Ohio, cost between $1,548 and $6,001. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Dayton. If you go over that window, storage in Fontana adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fontana to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,548 - $3,258
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,088 - $4,178
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,806 - $6,001
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $155 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Dayton, OH, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $724 in Fontana, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Ohio 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 $1,548. 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 $2,088 - $4,178.
What are the best moving containers Fontana to Dayton?
- 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 Fontana 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 Fontana:
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH
Renting a moving truck for the 2,137-mile move from Fontana, California, to Dayton, Ohio, costs between $1,169 and $3,494, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $703 - $804
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Fontana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Fontana to Dayton based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,169 - $2,349
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,318 - $2,851
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,679 - $3,494
Pro tip: A rental truck from Fontana to Dayton looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,169 - $3,494. But once you factor in fuel ($703 - $804), overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 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 Fontana, California, usually costs about $724 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,137-mile drive falls between $703 and $804, 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 $52 and $310 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fontana to Dayton?
- 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 Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH
If you're moving a larger household from Fontana, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Dayton, Ohio.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,721 and $3,516.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fontana to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,437 - $2,736
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,721 - $3,516
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,361 - $4,942
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $78 and $155.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Fontana, California, for roughly five hours typically average $724.
What are the best freight companies from Fontana to Dayton?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Fontana to Dayton. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Fontana, CA vs Dayton, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Dayton, side by side with Fontana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fontana, CA | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 119 | 80 |
| Average rent | $3,000/mo | $925/mo |
| Median home value | $554,802 | $94,536 |
| Average income | $98,187/yr | $43,454/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 6.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 68.35/100 | 40.68/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Dayton, OH to Fontana, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Ohio, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,137-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 2,137-mile move from Fontana, CA, to Dayton, OH, costs between $1,276 and $10,961 with full-service movers, $1,548 - $6,001 with a moving container, and $1,169 - $3,494 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 $3,562 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 Morgan Linen & Uniform Services and Premier Physicians.
FAQs: Moving from Fontana, CA, to Dayton, OH
How much does it cost to move from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH?
Costs on this route range from around $1,241 to $10,961, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,276 and $10,961, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,318 - $2,851. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($703 - $804), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $155/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Fontana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 32% of movers in Fontana handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.