Moving from Fontana, CA to Chandler, AZ
It is a 352 mi drive, roughly 6h 21m, between Fontana, CA and Chandler, AZ. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
352 mi · 6h 21m by car · AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 202 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fontana | Chandler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 2.9% under Fontana — $639,032 → $524,156 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Chandler -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Chandler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 278,123 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $103,691 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 28.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 2.63 |
Households in Chandler earn about 2.9% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chandler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Chandler compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $524,156 in Chandler vs $639,032 in Fontana — a 18.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fontana vs Chandler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,691 in Chandler vs $98,187 in Fontana — a 5.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Chandler more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chandler is 2.9% lower than Fontana (103.316 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chandler, AZ from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 352 mi and the route typically takes 6h 21m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chandler compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Chandler MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Chandler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 352 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fontana.
City profiles: Fontana, CA · Chandler, AZ.