Moving from Fontana, CA to Fresno, CA
The 265 mi from Fontana to Fresno translate to about 5h 1m 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.
265 mi Β· 5h 1m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 5, I 210 |
| Major cities en route | Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Santa Clarita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fontana | Fresno | 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 |
Fresno and Fontana are close on the overall BEA RPP (106.442 vs 102.158); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Fresno typical home at $391,328 is 4.0% under Fontana at $639,032 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Fresno +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| 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" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.8Β°F vs 65.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Fresno sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
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 | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 543,615 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $66,804 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 16.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 3.03 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.0% between Fontana and Fresno (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fresno 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 Fresno 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: Fresno 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
How does the job market in Fresno compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Fresno 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.
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Fresno?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 265 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Fresno compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $391,328 in Fresno vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 38.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fresno more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fresno 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 Fresno?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,804 in Fresno vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 32.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Fresno, CA from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 265 mi and the route typically takes 5h 1m via CA 99 and I 5. 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 Fontana.
City profiles: Fontana, CA Β· Fresno, CA.