Moving from Costa Mesa, CA to Fontana, CA
The 53 mi from Costa Mesa to Fontana translate to about 1h 10m 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.
53 mi Β· 1h 10m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 15, CA 91, CA 261 TOLL |
| Major cities en route | Victorville, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Rialto, Rancho Cucamonga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Costa Mesa | 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 |
Fontana is 6.3% cheaper than Costa Mesa overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Fontana is 6.3% below Costa Mesa β $1,413,322 vs $639,032 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Costa Mesa +3.1%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Costa Mesa | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 79Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.2" | 11.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Costa Mesa (64.9Β°F) and Fontana (66.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANTA ANA JOHN WAYNE AP, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Costa Mesa | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 110,538 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $110,073 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.9% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 3.71 |
Income steps down 6.3%: $110,073 in Costa Mesa 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 household income compare in Costa Mesa vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $110,073 in Costa Mesa β a 10.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Fontana compared to Costa Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $1,413,322 in Costa Mesa β a 54.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fontana more expensive than Costa Mesa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 6.3% lower than Costa Mesa (106.442 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fontana compare to Costa Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $50,490 in the Costa Mesa 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.
When is the best time to move from Costa Mesa to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 53 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Fontana, CA from Costa Mesa, CA?
The driving distance is 53 mi and the route typically takes 1h 10m via I 15 and CA 91. 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 Costa Mesa.
City profiles: Costa Mesa, CA Β· Fontana, CA.