Moving from Torrance, CA to Fontana, CA
Relocating between Torrance, CA and Fontana, CA is a 68 mi drive β 1h 27m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
68 mi Β· 1h 27m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 605, CA 91 |
| Major cities en route | San Bernardino, Victorville, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Rialto |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Torrance | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 6.3% cheaper overall in Fontana than Torrance on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Torrance +0.9%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Torrance | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 76Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 13.8" | 11.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: REDONDO BEACH, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Torrance | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,499 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $113,105 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 43.1 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.2% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 3.71 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.3% lower in Fontana than Torrance.
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 Torrance to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 68 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 Torrance?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $50,490 in the Torrance MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fontana compared to Torrance?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $1,124,932 in Torrance β a 43.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Torrance vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $113,105 in Torrance β a 13.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Fontana more expensive than Torrance?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 6.3% lower than Torrance (106.442 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fontana, CA from Torrance, CA?
The driving distance is 68 mi and the route typically takes 1h 27m via I 10 and I 605. 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 Torrance.
City profiles: Torrance, CA Β· Fontana, CA.