Moving from Fontana, CA to Aurora, IL
Cross-country relocations like Fontana, CA β Aurora, IL cover 1938 mi and about 33h 52m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1938 mi Β· 33h 52m by car Β· CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fontana | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Aurora and Fontana are close on the overall BEA RPP (106.442 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Aurora typical home at $316,958 is 2.7% under Fontana at $639,032 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 39.5" |
NOAA normals show Aurora running 16.6Β°F below Fontana on the annual mean.
Significant snow at the destination: Aurora sees 27.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 2.98 |
Income steps down 2.7%: $98,187 in Fontana vs $90,109 in Aurora.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Aurora MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Aurora averages 27.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Aurora more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 2.7% lower than Fontana (103.595 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 1938 mi and the route typically takes 33h 52m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1938 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 Fontana vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 8.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 50.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,661,860 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 Fontana.
City profiles: Fontana, CA Β· Aurora, IL.