Moving from Reno, NV to Fullerton, CA
It is a 491 mi drive, roughly 10h 6m, between Reno, NV and Fullerton, 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.
491 mi Β· 10h 6m by car Β· NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 395, US 6 HIST, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, Victorville, San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Reno | Fullerton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Fullerton runs about 12.4% more expensive overall than Reno β RPP 101.014 β 113.566.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $567,857 in Reno to $1,050,945 in Fullerton, a 12.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Reno -0.4%, Fullerton -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Reno | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 29.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.1" | 11.9" |
Annual temperature rises 11.7Β°F moving to Fullerton per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENO WFO, NV US, FULLERTON MUNI AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Reno | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,959 | 141,278 |
| Median household income | $78,448 | $104,219 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 27.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.98 |
Fullerton households earn about 12.4% more than Reno at the median β $78,448 β $104,219 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fullerton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
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
- Dry climate: Fullerton sees only 11.9 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 (11.7Β°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 much do homes cost in Fullerton compared to Reno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,050,945 in Fullerton vs $567,857 in Reno β a 85.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Fullerton, CA from Reno, NV?
The driving distance is 491 mi and the route typically takes 10h 6m via US 395 and US 6 HIST. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fullerton compare to Reno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Fullerton MSA vs $47,540 in the Reno MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Fullerton more expensive than Reno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fullerton is 12.4% higher than Reno (113.566 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Reno vs Fullerton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,219 in Fullerton vs $78,448 in Reno β a 32.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Reno to Fullerton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 491 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Reno.
City profiles: Reno, NV Β· Fullerton, CA.