Moving from Fontana, CA to Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Relocating from Fontana, CA to Rancho Cucamonga, CA? The drive is 8.0 mi β about 14 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
8.0 mi Β· 14 min by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 66 HIST |
| Major cities en route | San Bernardino, Victorville, Rialto, Riverside, Moreno Valley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fontana | Rancho Cucamonga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 106.442 vs 106.442 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 roughly 0.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $639,032 to $792,765 moving to Rancho Cucamonga.
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Rancho Cucamonga -0.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 11.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Fontana (66.8Β°F) and Rancho Cucamonga (66.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 174,693 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $109,511 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 22.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 3.01 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.0% higher in Rancho Cucamonga than Fontana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rancho Cucamonga MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
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 Rancho Cucamonga average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Rancho Cucamonga sees only 11.6 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
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Rancho Cucamonga?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 8.0 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Fontana vs Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 11.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Rancho Cucamonga compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $792,765 in Rancho Cucamonga vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 24.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Rancho Cucamonga, CA from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 8.0 mi and the route typically takes 14 min via US 66 HIST. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Rancho Cucamonga compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Rancho Cucamonga MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 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· Rancho Cucamonga, CA.