Moving from Hillsboro, OR to Fontana, CA
The drive from Hillsboro, OR to Fontana, CA runs 1012 mi β about 19h 10m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1012 mi Β· 19h 10m by car Β· CA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 210, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Corona, Jurupa Valley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hillsboro | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Fontana and Hillsboro is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Fontana is 1.0% above Hillsboro β $522,557 vs $639,032 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Hillsboro -3.7%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hillsboro | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 11.6" |
Climate warms by 14.3Β°F on the annual average β 52.5Β°F β 66.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND-HILLSBORO AP, OR US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hillsboro | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,050 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $103,207 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 3.71 |
Median household incomes in Hillsboro ($103,207) and Fontana ($98,187) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
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.
Moving between Oregon and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Hillsboro to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1012 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Fontana compared to Hillsboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $522,557 in Hillsboro β a 22.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fontana more expensive than Hillsboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 1.0% higher than Hillsboro (106.442 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fontana, CA from Hillsboro, OR?
The driving distance is 1012 mi and the route typically takes 19h 10m via I 5 and CA 210. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Hillsboro vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $103,207 in Hillsboro β a 4.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Fontana compare to Hillsboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $55,940 in the Hillsboro MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 1,206,150 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 Hillsboro.
City profiles: Hillsboro, OR Β· Fontana, CA.