Moving from Manchester, NH to Ontario, CA
Cross-country relocations like Manchester, NH β Ontario, CA cover 2988 mi and about 53h 48m of driving through 14 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2988 mi Β· 53h 48m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Riverside, Santa Ana, Irvine, Fontana |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Ontario | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Ontario and Manchester are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.657 vs 106.442); 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: Ontario typical home at $672,742 is 0.7% above Manchester at $435,334 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Ontario -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Manchester | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 13Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 11.6" |
NOAA normals show Ontario running 19.4Β°F above Manchester on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 178,347 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $82,806 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 33.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 3.39 |
Income steps up 0.7%: $77,415 in Manchester vs $82,806 in Ontario.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ontario 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.
Moving between New Hampshire and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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 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.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Ontario 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: Ontario sees only 11.6 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 warmer climate (19.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Ontario, CA from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 2988 mi and the route typically takes 53h 48m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 14 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Ontario?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2988 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Ontario more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ontario is 0.7% higher than Manchester (106.442 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Ontario?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $82,806 in Ontario vs $77,415 in Manchester β a 7.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Ontario compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $672,742 in Ontario vs $435,334 in Manchester β a 54.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH Β· Ontario, CA.