Things to know before moving from Montana to Ontario, CA

Cost of living: Montana vs Ontario, CA

Montana Ontario
Average rent cost $974 $2,619
Average home value $462,631 $668,089
Average income (per capita) $66,341 $71,908
Unemployment rate 3% 7%
State income tax 7% 13%
  • Rent is about 169% more expensive in Ontario than in Montana.
  • Home prices are about 44% higher in Ontario than in Montana.
  • The average income is about 8% higher in Ontario than in Montana.
  • Ontario has a higher unemployment rate than Montana by about 109%.
  • Income taxes are 97% higher in Ontario than in Montana.

How life is different in Ontario from Montana

Ontario Montana
Population 175,265 1,132,812
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Republican 58.4-38.5
Summer high 92ºF 84ºF
Winter low 43ºF 12ºF
Annual rain 16" 15"
Annual snow 0" 49"
Crime index 50.25 23.37
  • The population of Ontario is approximately 85% lower than the population of Montana.
  • In the last presidential election, Ontario voted Democratic and Montana voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Ontario is 92ºF and in Montana, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Ontario reaches the temperature of 43ºF and Montana gets down to 12ºF.
  • You can expect about 16 inches of annual rainfall in Ontario vs 15 inches of rainfall in Montana.
  • In Ontario, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 49 inches of snow in Montana.
  • Ontario has a higher crime rate than Montana with a crime index of 50.25 vs 23.37.

Things to do in Ontario

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Ontario.

Museums in Ontariotoggle

  • Museum of History and Art, Ontario

Parks in Ontariotoggle

  • Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park

Universities in Ontariotoggle

  • University of La Verne

Other considerations when moving to Ontario, CA

  • Weather: Ontario with hot summers and mild winters.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Montana to Ontario take?

The time frame for a move from Montana to Ontario, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Montana, the longer the drive time to Ontario will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Ontario from Montana can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Montana to Ontario?

Because of the 1196-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Montana to Ontario as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Ontario, CA?

With the summer highs of 92ºF and the winter lows of 43ºF, most people move to Ontario from Montana during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Ontario during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources