Moving from Oxnard, CA to Fontana, CA
It is a 109 mi drive, roughly 2h 14m, between Oxnard, CA and Fontana, CA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
109 mi Β· 2h 14m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 134, CA 210, US 66 HIST |
| Major cities en route | San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Rialto, Riverside, Jurupa Valley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oxnard | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.534 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.925 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 171.096 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Oxnard and Fontana sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Fontana run about 3.7% cheaper β ZHVI $767,291 β $639,032 (2026-03).
YoY change: Oxnard -0.4%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oxnard | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 73Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.9" | 11.6" |
Annual temperature rises 5.6Β°F moving to Fontana per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oxnard | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,014 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $93,372 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 34 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.4% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.88 | 3.71 |
Households in Fontana earn about 3.7% more at the median β ACS 5-year 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.
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
- 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.
- 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 Fontana compared to Oxnard?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $767,291 in Oxnard β a 16.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Oxnard to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 109 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Fontana, CA from Oxnard, CA?
The driving distance is 109 mi and the route typically takes 2h 14m via CA 134 and CA 210. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Oxnard vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $93,372 in Oxnard β a 5.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Fontana compare to Oxnard?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 315,720 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Fontana more expensive than Oxnard?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 3.7% lower than Oxnard (106.442 vs 110.534, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oxnard.
City profiles: Oxnard, CA Β· Fontana, CA.