Moving from Fontana, CA to Clovis, CA
It is a 267 mi drive, roughly 5h 9m, between Fontana, CA and Clovis, CA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
267 mi Β· 5h 9m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, CA 210, I 5 TRUCK |
| 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
| Fontana | Clovis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 106.442 vs 102.158 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 4.0% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Clovis 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 11.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Fontana (66.8Β°F) and Clovis (65.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Clovis gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 122,719 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $100,360 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 2.99 |
Median household incomes in Fontana ($98,187) and Clovis ($100,360) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clovis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 46,600 | $45,210 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,930 | $38,480 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 35,500 | $32,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,440 | $33,710 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 32,010 | $59,270 |
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 Clovis average 98Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Clovis sees only 11.0 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
Is Clovis more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clovis is 4.0% lower than Fontana (102.158 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Fontana vs Clovis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,360 in Clovis vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 2.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Clovis, CA from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 267 mi and the route typically takes 5h 9m via CA 99 and CA 210. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Clovis compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $521,708 in Clovis vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 18.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Clovis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 267 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Clovis compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Clovis MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 408,820 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fontana.
City profiles: Fontana, CA Β· Clovis, CA.