Moving from Fontana, CA to Greeley, CO

A move from Fontana, CA to Greeley, CO covers 1027 mi and around 18h 4m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.

1027 mi Β· 18h 4m by car Β· CA β†’ NV β†’ AZ β†’ UT β†’ CO

COL -5.9% Home values -34.2% Ξ” -14.7Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1027 mi
Drive time
18h 4m
States
5
Fuel (25 mpg)
41 gal
Route throughCA β†’ NV β†’ AZ β†’ UT β†’ CO
Primary highwaysI 70, I 15, US 66 HIST
Major cities en routeAnaheim, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

FontanaGreeleyU.S. avg
All items (RPP)106.442100.176100.0
Rents148.64181.997100.0
Goods101.43196.052100.0
Services129.312112.599100.0

Overall prices in Greeley are 5.9% below Fontana β€” a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Fontana β€” typical home
$639,032
Greeley β€” typical home
$420,464
Fontana β€” typical rent
$3,071/mo
Greeley β€” typical rent
$1,419/mo

Housing gap is large: Greeley typical home at $420,464 is 5.9% under Fontana at $639,032 (Zillow, 2026-03).

YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Greeley -1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsFontanaGreeley
Annual avg temperature67Β°F52Β°F
January avg low45Β°F18Β°F
July avg high94Β°F92Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”34.9"
Annual precipitation11.6"14.7"

Greeley is 14.7Β°F cooler on the annual average (66.8Β°F vs 52.1Β°F, NOAA 1991–2020).

Significant snow at the destination: Greeley sees 34.9 in a year on NOAA normals β€” budget for winter gear and plowing.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, GREELEY UNC, CO US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023FontanaGreeley
Population211,921109,421
Median household income$98,187$68,650
Median age33.332.5
Bachelor's degree or higher14.7%15.9%
Avg household size3.712.81

Median household income in Greeley is 5.9% below Fontana ($98,187 vs $68,650, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Fontana MSA β€” median wage
$47,450
Greeley MSA β€” median wage
$50,140
Fontana MSA β€” employment
1,661,860
Greeley MSA β€” employment
111,210

Top occupations in Greeley MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 11,370 $46,100
Construction and Extraction Occupations 11,010 $52,590
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 10,590 $47,780
Sales and Related Occupations 10,120 $39,710
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 9,660 $32,760

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between California and Colorado

California income tax
13.3% top marginal
Colorado income tax
4.4% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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 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

  • Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
  • I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
  • I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
  • I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
  • Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β€” check CDOT alerts before departure.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Winter gear first: Greeley averages 34.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β€” pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Greeley average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • Dry climate: Greeley sees only 14.7 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
  • You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.7Β°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 Colorado after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to move from Fontana to Greeley?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1027 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How far is Greeley, CO from Fontana, CA?

The driving distance is 1027 mi and the route typically takes 18h 4m via I 70 and I 15. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How much do homes cost in Greeley compared to Fontana?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $420,464 in Greeley vs $639,032 in Fontana β€” a 34.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Is Greeley more expensive than Fontana?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Greeley is 5.9% lower than Fontana (100.176 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does household income compare in Fontana vs Greeley?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $68,650 in Greeley vs $98,187 in Fontana β€” a 30.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How does the job market in Greeley compare to Fontana?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,140 in the Greeley MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 111,210 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· Greeley, CO.

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