Moving from Fontana, CA to Tempe, AZ
Relocating between Fontana, CA and Tempe, AZ is a 340 mi drive β 6h 8m 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.
340 mi Β· 6h 8m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 60, US 66 HIST |
| Major cities en route | Rancho Cucamonga, Pomona, Victorville, West Covina, Anaheim |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fontana | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 106.442 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $639,032 to $468,281 moving to Tempe.
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 8.8" |
Expect 5.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Tempe gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.9% β $98,187 β $77,643 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 340 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tempe more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 2.9% lower than Fontana (103.316 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 340 mi and the route typically takes 6h 8m via I 10 and US 60. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fontana vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 20.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 26.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fontana.
City profiles: Fontana, CA Β· Tempe, AZ.