Moving from Salinas, CA to Fontana, CA
The 347 mi from Salinas to Fontana translate to about 6h 45m 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.
347 mi Β· 6h 45m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 101, I 5, CA 46 |
| 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
| Salinas | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 109.042 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.157 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 145.669 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Salinas (109.042) and Fontana (106.442) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Fontana ZHVI at $639,032 is 2.4% below Salinas at $747,758.
YoY change: Salinas -1.1%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Salinas | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 71Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.6" | 11.6" |
Climate warms by 8.7Β°F on the annual average β 58.1Β°F β 66.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SALINAS MUNICIPAL AP, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salinas | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 161,993 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $89,150 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 32.1 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.4% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 3.71 |
Income steps up 2.4%: $89,150 in Salinas vs $98,187 in Fontana.
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
When is the best time to move from Salinas to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 347 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 Salinas vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $89,150 in Salinas β a 10.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Fontana compare to Salinas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $44,570 in the Salinas MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 181,410 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fontana compared to Salinas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $747,758 in Salinas β a 14.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fontana more expensive than Salinas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 2.4% lower than Salinas (106.442 vs 109.042, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fontana, CA from Salinas, CA?
The driving distance is 347 mi and the route typically takes 6h 45m via US 101 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Salinas.
City profiles: Salinas, CA Β· Fontana, CA.