Moving from Vallejo, CA to Fontana, CA
The 428 mi from Vallejo to Fontana translate to about 7h 59m 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.
428 mi Β· 7h 59m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 210, I 5 TRUCK |
| 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
| Vallejo | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.479 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.993 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 142.042 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Fontana and Vallejo 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 1.9% above Vallejo β $520,970 vs $639,032 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Vallejo -5.4%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Vallejo | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 21.5" | 11.6" |
Climate warms by 5.2Β°F on the annual average β 61.6Β°F β 66.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: VALLEJO, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Vallejo | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,637 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $89,496 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 40 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.84 | 3.71 |
Income steps up 1.9%: $89,496 in Vallejo 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
How does the job market in Fontana compare to Vallejo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $53,520 in the Vallejo MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 137,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Vallejo vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $89,496 in Vallejo β a 9.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Fontana, CA from Vallejo, CA?
The driving distance is 428 mi and the route typically takes 7h 59m via I 5 and CA 210. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fontana compared to Vallejo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $520,970 in Vallejo β a 22.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Vallejo to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 428 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Fontana more expensive than Vallejo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 1.9% lower than Vallejo (106.442 vs 108.479, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Vallejo.
City profiles: Vallejo, CA Β· Fontana, CA.