Moving from Elk Grove, CA to Fontana, CA
Relocating between Elk Grove, CA and Fontana, CA is a 416 mi drive β 7h 45m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
416 mi Β· 7h 45m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 210, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Rialto, Corona |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elk Grove | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.67 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 151.29 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 130.23 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Elk Grove and Fontana sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Fontana ($639,032) sits close to Elk Grove ($637,450) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Elk Grove -3.5%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elk Grove | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.1" | 11.6" |
Expect 5.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SACRAMENTO EXECUTIVE AP, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elk Grove | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 177,221 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $122,229 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 39 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.24 | 3.71 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.2% lower in Fontana than Elk Grove.
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
How much do homes cost in Fontana compared to Elk Grove?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $637,450 in Elk Grove β a 0.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Fontana compare to Elk Grove?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $55,290 in the Elk Grove MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 1,048,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Elk Grove vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $122,229 in Elk Grove β a 19.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Elk Grove to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 416 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Fontana, CA from Elk Grove, CA?
The driving distance is 416 mi and the route typically takes 7h 45m via I 5 and CA 210. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Fontana more expensive than Elk Grove?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 0.2% lower than Elk Grove (106.442 vs 106.67, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elk Grove.
City profiles: Elk Grove, CA Β· Fontana, CA.