Moving from Fontana, CA to Hayward, CA
Relocating between Fontana, CA and Hayward, CA is a 405 mi drive β 7h 34m 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.
405 mi Β· 7h 34m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 580, CA 210 |
| 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
| Fontana | Hayward | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Hayward runs about 8.6% more expensive overall than Fontana β RPP 106.442 β 115.613.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $639,032 in Fontana to $848,427 in Hayward, a 8.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Hayward -6.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 75Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 16.0" |
Expect 7.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 159,201 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $113,775 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 3.22 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.6% higher in Hayward than Fontana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hayward MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
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
- 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 much do homes cost in Hayward compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $848,427 in Hayward vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 32.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Hayward?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 405 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 Hayward compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Hayward MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Hayward more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hayward is 8.6% higher than Fontana (115.613 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Hayward, CA from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 405 mi and the route typically takes 7h 34m via I 5 and I 580. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fontana vs Hayward?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,775 in Hayward vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 15.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fontana.
City profiles: Fontana, CA Β· Hayward, CA.