Moving from Fontana, CA to Dayton, OH
A 2133 mi cross-country move between Fontana and Dayton is 37h 36m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2133 mi Β· 37h 36m by car Β· CA β AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fontana | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.9% moving from Fontana to Dayton β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $639,032 in Fontana to $136,592 in Dayton, a 12.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 41.7" |
Annual temperature drops 13.5Β°F moving to Dayton per NOAA normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 2.36 |
Dayton households earn about 12.9% less than Fontana at the median β $98,187 β $43,454 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Dayton more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 12.9% lower than Fontana (92.694 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 2133 mi and the route typically takes 37h 36m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 78.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fontana vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 55.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2133 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Β· Dayton, OH.