Moving from Burbank, CA to Fontana, CA
The 55 mi from Burbank to Fontana translate to about 1h 7m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
55 mi Β· 1h 7m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 210, CA 134, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Rialto, Jurupa Valley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Burbank | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 113.566 to 106.442, putting Fontana roughly 6.3% below Burbank on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Fontana: 6.3% below Burbank on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Burbank -2.4%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Burbank | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 16.5" | 11.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BURBANK VALLEY PUMP PLT, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Burbank | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,165 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $95,816 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 3.71 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fontana MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Fontana average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Fontana sees only 11.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Burbank to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 55 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Burbank vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $95,816 in Burbank β a 2.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Fontana more expensive than Burbank?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 6.3% lower than Burbank (106.442 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fontana compare to Burbank?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $50,490 in the Burbank MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fontana compared to Burbank?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $1,200,885 in Burbank β a 46.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Fontana, CA from Burbank, CA?
The driving distance is 55 mi and the route typically takes 1h 7m via CA 210 and CA 134. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Burbank.
City profiles: Burbank, CA Β· Fontana, CA.