Moving from Fontana, CA to Sunnyvale, CA
Moving from Fontana, CA to Sunnyvale, CA covers 393 mi and about 7h 27m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
393 mi Β· 7h 27m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 152, US 101 |
| Major cities en route | Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Rialto, Corona |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fontana | Sunnyvale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fontana (106.442) and Sunnyvale (110.423) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Sunnyvale: 3.7% above Fontana on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Sunnyvale -0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 13.5" |
Sunnyvale is 6.9Β°F cooler on the annual average (66.8Β°F vs 59.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 153,455 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $181,862 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 30.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 2.61 |
Median household income in Sunnyvale is 3.7% above Fontana ($98,187 vs $181,862, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sunnyvale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
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
- Dry climate: Sunnyvale sees only 13.5 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 household income compare in Fontana vs Sunnyvale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $181,862 in Sunnyvale vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 85.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Sunnyvale more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sunnyvale is 3.7% higher than Fontana (110.423 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Sunnyvale, CA from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 393 mi and the route typically takes 7h 27m via I 5 and CA 152. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Sunnyvale compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Sunnyvale MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 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 Sunnyvale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 393 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 Sunnyvale compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $2,168,909 in Sunnyvale vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 239.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fontana.
City profiles: Fontana, CA Β· Sunnyvale, CA.