Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Fontana, CA
A 2196 mi cross-country move between Ann Arbor and Fontana is 38h 40m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 10 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2196 mi Β· 38h 40m by car Β· CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Ontario |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 5.5% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $523,391 to $639,032 moving to Fontana.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 11.6" |
Expect 18.6Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 3.71 |
Fontana households earn about 5.5% more than Ann Arbor at the median β $81,089 β $98,187 on ACS 2023.
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 Michigan 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
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 (18.6Β°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 does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 21.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Fontana compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 22.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2196 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 Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Fontana more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 5.5% higher than Ann Arbor (106.442 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fontana, CA from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 2196 mi and the route typically takes 38h 40m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 10 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 Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Fontana, CA.