Moving from Seattle, WA to Fontana, CA
Relocating 1180 mi from Seattle to Fontana is a 22h 25m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1180 mi Β· 22h 25m by car Β· WA β OR β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, I 210 |
| Major cities en route | Everett, Bellevue, Renton, Kent, Tacoma |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Seattle | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 111.133 vs 106.442 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.2% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $868,680 to $639,032 moving to Fontana.
YoY change: Seattle -2.3%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Seattle | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.8" | 11.6" |
Expect 13.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Seattle | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 741,440 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $121,984 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.6% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.1 | 3.71 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.2% lower in Fontana than Seattle.
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.
Moving between Washington 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.6Β°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 Fontana, CA from Seattle, WA?
The driving distance is 1180 mi and the route typically takes 22h 25m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fontana compared to Seattle?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $868,680 in Seattle β a 26.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fontana more expensive than Seattle?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 4.2% lower than Seattle (106.442 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1180 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 Seattle vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $121,984 in Seattle β a 19.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Fontana compare to Seattle?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $65,260 in the Seattle MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Seattle.
City profiles: Seattle, WA Β· Fontana, CA.