Moving from Reno, NV to Fontana, CA
Relocating between Reno, NV and Fontana, CA is a 456 mi drive β 9h 25m 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.
456 mi Β· 9h 25m by car Β· NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 395, US 6 HIST, I 580 |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, Victorville, San Bernardino, Rialto, Rancho Cucamonga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Reno | Fontana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.4% above Reno β 101.014 β 106.442 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 5.4% above Reno β $567,857 β $639,032 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Reno -0.4%, Fontana -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Reno | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 29.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.1" | 11.6" |
Expect 12.3Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENO WFO, NV US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Reno | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,959 | 211,921 |
| Median household income | $78,448 | $98,187 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 14.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 3.71 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.4% β $78,448 β $98,187 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Nevada 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
- 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
- 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 (12.3Β°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
How does household income compare in Reno vs Fontana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,187 in Fontana vs $78,448 in Reno β a 25.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Fontana compare to Reno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Fontana MSA vs $47,540 in the Reno MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Reno to Fontana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 456 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 Reno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $639,032 in Fontana vs $567,857 in Reno β a 12.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fontana more expensive than Reno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fontana is 5.4% higher than Reno (106.442 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fontana, CA from Reno, NV?
The driving distance is 456 mi and the route typically takes 9h 25m via US 395 and US 6 HIST. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Reno.
City profiles: Reno, NV Β· Fontana, CA.