Moving from Fontana, CA to Newark, NJ
A 2737 mi cross-country move between Fontana and Newark is 48h 40m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 11 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.
2737 mi Β· 48h 40m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fontana | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Newark runs about 5.8% more expensive overall than Fontana β RPP 106.442 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $639,032 in Fontana to $478,455 in Newark, a 5.8% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 50.4" |
Annual temperature drops 12.0Β°F moving to Newark per NOAA normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Newark sees 28.2 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, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 2.7 |
Newark households earn about 5.8% less than Fontana at the median β $98,187 β $48,416 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter 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.
- 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.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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
- Winter gear first: Newark averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.0Β°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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2737 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Newark more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 5.8% higher than Fontana (112.563 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 25.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fontana vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 50.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Newark, NJ from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 2737 mi and the route typically takes 48h 40m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 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· Newark, NJ.