Things to know before moving from South Dakota to Fontana, CA

Cost of living: South Dakota vs Fontana, CA

South Dakota Fontana
Average rent cost $878 $3,000
Average home value $306,944 $631,669
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $72,918
Unemployment rate 2% 8%
State income tax 0% 13%
  • Rent is about 242% more expensive in Fontana than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 106% higher in Fontana than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 5% higher in Fontana than in South Dakota.
  • Fontana has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 300%.
  • Income taxes are 13% higher in Fontana than in South Dakota.

How life is different in Fontana from South Dakota

Fontana South Dakota
Population 212,704 919,318
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Republican 63-37
Summer high 94ºF 85ºF
Winter low 43ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 14" 23"
Annual snow 0" 39"
Crime index 31.65 21.14
  • The population of Fontana is approximately 77% lower than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Fontana voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Fontana is 94ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Fontana reaches the temperature of 43ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 14 inches of annual rainfall in Fontana vs 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Fontana, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Fontana has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 31.65 vs 21.14.

Things to do in Fontana

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

Museums in Fontanatoggle

  • Mary Vagle Museum & Nature Center

Parks in Fontanatoggle

  • Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park

Other considerations when moving to Fontana, CA

  • Weather: Fontana is frequently affected by the strong, hot and dry Santa Ana winds as they blow through the nearby Cajon Pass of the San Gabriel mountains, from the Mojave Desert. Fontana can also be extremely hot in summer, well over 100 °F
  • 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 South Dakota to Fontana take?

The time frame for a move from South Dakota to Fontana, 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 South Dakota, the longer the drive time to Fontana 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 Fontana from South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Fontana?

Because of the 1486-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Dakota to Fontana 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 Fontana, CA?

With the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 43ºF, most people move to Fontana from South Dakota during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Fontana during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources