Key factors that influence moving costs from Fontana to Tucsontoggle

The cost of Fontana movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Fontana to Tucson might cost just $1,288 for a one-bedroom, but up to $7,555 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Fontana, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $449 and $1,051, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Fontana to Tucson

Moving from Fontana to Tucson means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Fontana than in Tucson, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Fontana compares to Tucson so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Fontana Tucson
Average rent cost $3,000 $1,295
Average home value $631,669 $327,203
Average income (per capita) $72,918 $61,749
Cost of living (single person) $2,972 $2,390
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,875 $6,043
Unemployment rate 7.6% 7.4%
Sales tax 7.75% 8.7%
State income tax 13.3% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Tucson are 57% lower than in Fontana, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tucson.
    Home prices in Tucson are 48.2% lower than in Fontana.
  • Income in Tucson is 15.3% lower than in Fontana, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tucson include University of Arizona, Raytheon Technologies, and State of Arizona.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 19.6% lower than in Fontana. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 12.1% lower than in Fontana.
  • The unemployment rate in Tucson is 2.63% lower than in Fontana.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tucson are 12.26% higher than in Fontana.
  • One perk of moving to Tucson is paying less in state income taxes, which are 81.20% lower than in Fontana.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,412.52 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fontana.

How life is different in Fontana vs. Tucson

Tucson Fontana
Population 542,629 212,704
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 43 37
Bike friendliness score 66 41
Crime Index 54.43 31.65
Safety Index 45.57 68.35
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Tucson is about 155% greater than Fontana, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Tucson without a car might be more difficult than in Fontana. Tucson has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Fontana is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Living in Tucson means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Fontana. Tucson is considered more walkable than Fontana, with a score of 43 out of 100 versus 37 out of 100 in Fontana. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tucson is considered more bike-friendly than Fontana in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tucson has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, while Fontana is rated as 41 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Tucson is higher than in Fontana, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 54.43 in Tucson, it is 31.65 in Fontana. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Tucson. With a crime index of 45.57, Tucson ranks lower in overall safety than Fontana, whose index is Fontana's 68.35. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Tucson and Fontana is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Fontana vs. Tucson move

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โ€œunregulatedโ€ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tucson. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Tucson

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Old Pueblo", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tucson.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Armory Park
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Old Fort Lowell
  • El Presidio
  • Sam Hughes

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Armory Park
  • Broadmoor-Broadway
  • Catalina Foothills
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Sam Hughes

Things to do in Tucson

After settling into your new Arizona home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tucson has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Tucson is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and Franklin Auto Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA), Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League), Tucson Roadrunners (AHL), or FC Tucson (USL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Fontana to Tucson?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Fontana to Tucson. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Fontana.

When is the cheapest time to move from Fontana to Tucson?

Because spring and fall moves from Fontana to Tucson are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Fontana to Tucson take?

Covering 437 miles, the move from Fontana, CA to Tucson, AZ typically takes one to four days. Some Fontana movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTucson can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources