Moving from San Bernardino, CA to Ontario, CA
Relocating from San Bernardino, CA to Ontario, CA? The drive is 23 mi β about 34 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
23 mi Β· 34 min by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 210, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Moreno Valley, Victorville, Rialto, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| San Bernardino | Ontario | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.0% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: San Bernardino -0.3%, Ontario -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | San Bernardino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.9" | 11.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: REDLANDS, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | San Bernardino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 221,774 | 178,347 |
| Median household income | $63,988 | $82,806 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 33.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 3.51 | 3.39 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.0% β $63,988 β $82,806 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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.
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 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.
- 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 San Bernardino vs Ontario?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $82,806 in Ontario vs $63,988 in San Bernardino β a 29.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from San Bernardino to Ontario?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 23 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 Ontario compared to San Bernardino?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $672,742 in Ontario vs $487,988 in San Bernardino β a 37.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Ontario compare to San Bernardino?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Ontario MSA vs $47,450 in the San Bernardino MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Ontario, CA from San Bernardino, CA?
The driving distance is 23 mi and the route typically takes 34 min via CA 210 and I 15. 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 San Bernardino.
City profiles: San Bernardino, CA Β· Ontario, CA.