1Why People Are Moving to Fontana
Fontana, California has become an attractive option for relocating families and professionals in 2026. With a population of 214,547, the city offers strong opportunities in Logistics and Distribution, Manufacturing, Healthcare. The higher cost of living is offset by excellent safety ratings and suburban character with room to grow.
Whether you're relocating for a job opportunity, seeking a change of scenery, or planning retirement, understanding Fontana's unique characteristics will help you make an informed decision and plan a successful move.
2What to Expect: Cost of Living in Fontana
Understanding Fontana's cost structure is essential for planning your move. The city's Cost of Living Index of 136.9 means you'll spend about 37% more than the national average.
**Housing Costs:** The median home price is $445,129, while renters pay approximately $1,794 for a 1-bedroom and $2,332 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The housing market offers reasonable options across various price points.
**Income Considerations:** The median household income in Fontana is $85,839. Higher-than-average salaries help offset living costs. The unemployment rate of 0% indicates a strong job market.
3Moving Costs: Getting to Fontana
The cost of your move to Fontana depends on distance, timing, and inventory size. **Inbound**: Moving TO Fontana averages $3,251 for a 2BR.
**Outbound**: Moving FROM Fontana averages $2,903. The inbound/outbound gap reflects migration patterns favoring inbound moves — useful leverage when negotiating.
4Living in Fontana: Quality of Life
Beyond the numbers, Fontana offers a distinct lifestyle that attracts residents from across the country.
**Safety:** With a safety score of 85/100, Fontana is considered very safe with low crime rates.
**Walkability:** The city scores 54/100 for walkability. Some neighborhoods are walkable, but most residents own vehicles.
**Commute:** The average commute is 30 minutes. Commute times are reasonable across most of the city.
**Environment:** Air quality index averages 0 (Good). Noise levels are .
5Fontana's Job Market and Economy
Unemployment rate: 0% (national avg ~3.7%).
**Key industries**: Logistics and Distribution, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, Automotive/Motorsports.
**Major employers**: Kaiser Permanente, Amazon, Fontana Unified School District, Target, UPS.
6Practical Tips for Your Move to Fontana
A successful move requires planning. Here are Fontana-specific considerations:
**Parking:** Contact your building or Fontana city hall about moving truck permits. Many areas require advance reservations.
**DMV and Registration:** You'll have 30-60 days (varies by state) to update your driver's license and vehicle registration after establishing CA residency.
**Finding Your Neighborhood:** With diverse neighborhoods to choose from, consider renting short-term first to find the right fit before committing to a long-term lease or purchase. For general utility-setup and pre-move admin steps, see our [Complete Moving Guide](/guide).
7Life After the Move: Fontana Lifestyle
Daily life in Fontana is characterized by its vibrant, diverse community and a focus on family-friendly activities, set against the backdrop of a hot, arid climate. The food scene reflects its multicultural population, with an abundance of authentic Mexican, Asian, and classic American eateries, offering casual dining experiences rather than high-end gourmet. Outdoor access is plentiful, with residents enjoying local green spaces like Fontana Park and the Mary Vagle Nature Center, which provide trails and educational programs. For more extensive recreation, the nearby San Bernardino Mountains offer hiking, camping, and winter sports, while the hot summers encourage water activities at local splash pads or nearby lakes. A significant cultural anchor is the Auto Club Speedway, which hosts major racing events, bringing excitement and a unique energy to the city. The Lewis Library and Technology Center serves as a vital community hub for learning and cultural engagement. Fontana's local quirks include a strong sense of community pride and a car-centric lifestyle typical of Southern California's Inland Empire.
8Next Steps for Your Fontana Move
For the full pre-move timeline (8 weeks out, 6 weeks out, 4 weeks out, moving day, first week, first month), see our [Complete Moving Guide](/guide). Below, get a personalized cost estimate for your Fontana move: