Moving from Modesto, CA to Fontana, CA
Moving from Modesto, CA to Fontana, CA covers 355 mi and about 6h 43m 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.
355 mi Β· 6h 43m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 5, I 210 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Fontana and Modesto is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Fontana is 2.2% above Modesto β $446,494 vs $639,032 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 11.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Modesto (63.1Β°F) and Fontana (66.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 3.71 |
Median household income in Fontana is 2.2% above Modesto ($77,899 vs $98,187, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fontana 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 Fontana 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: Fontana 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
Is Fontana more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 2.2% higher than Modesto (106.442 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 355 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Fontana compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Fontana, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 355 mi and the route typically takes 6h 43m via CA 99 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fontana compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 43.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 26.0% higher 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 Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Fontana, CA.