Moving from Rialto, CA to Fairfield, CA
Relocating between Rialto, CA and Fairfield, CA is a 435 mi drive — 8h 16m 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.
435 mi · 8h 16m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, I 210 |
| Major cities en route | Vallejo, Richmond, Concord, Antioch, Elk Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rialto | Fairfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 106.442 vs 108.479 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $588,566 vs $609,269.
YoY change: Rialto -0.8%, Fairfield -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rialto | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 44°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 9.9" | 24.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Rialto (66.6°F) and Fairfield (61.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Fairfield gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RIVERSIDE CITRUS EXP, CA US, FAIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rialto | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 103,866 | 119,985 |
| Median household income | $85,521 | $102,321 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.2% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.87 | 3.16 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.9% higher in Fairfield than Rialto.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fairfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,510 | $51,200 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,960 | $36,120 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,440 | $43,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,220 | $37,910 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 10,450 | $34,840 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — 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
What is the climate difference between Rialto and Fairfield?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Fairfield vs 66.6°F in Rialto (4.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 24.5 in vs 9.9 in.
How does household income compare in Rialto vs Fairfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $102,321 in Fairfield vs $85,521 in Rialto — a 19.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Fairfield more expensive than Rialto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fairfield is 1.9% higher than Rialto (108.479 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fairfield, CA from Rialto, CA?
The driving distance is 435 mi and the route typically takes 8h 16m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fairfield compare to Rialto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA vs $47,450 in the Rialto MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fairfield compared to Rialto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $609,269 in Fairfield vs $588,566 in Rialto — a 3.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rialto to Fairfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 435 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Rialto.
City profiles: Rialto, CA · Fairfield, CA.