Moving from Fontana, CA to Vallejo, CA
The 428 mi from Fontana to Vallejo translate to about 7h 59m 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.
428 mi Β· 7h 59m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 210, I 5 TRUCK |
| 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 | Vallejo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fontana (106.442) and Vallejo (108.479) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Vallejo ZHVI at $520,970 is 1.9% below Fontana at $639,032.
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Vallejo -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 21.5" |
Climate cools by 5.2Β°F on the annual average β 66.8Β°F β 61.6Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, VALLEJO, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 124,637 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $89,496 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 40 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 2.84 |
Income steps down 1.9%: $98,187 in Fontana vs $89,496 in Vallejo.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Vallejo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,510 | $51,200 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,960 | $36,120 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,440 | $43,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,220 | $37,910 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 10,450 | $34,840 |
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
- 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 Vallejo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 428 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Vallejo more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Vallejo is 1.9% higher than Fontana (108.479 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Vallejo, CA from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 428 mi and the route typically takes 7h 59m via I 5 and CA 210. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Vallejo compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Vallejo MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Vallejo compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $520,970 in Vallejo vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 18.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fontana vs Vallejo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $89,496 in Vallejo vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 8.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fontana.
City profiles: Fontana, CA Β· Vallejo, CA.