Factors influencing moving costs from Ann Arbor to Fontanatoggle

The cost of Ann Arbor movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Ann Arbor to Fontana can be as low as $1,565 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,269.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Ann Arbor, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,556 to $3,846. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Fontana

Moving from Ann Arbor to Fontana comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Fontana is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Ann Arbor Fontana
Average rent cost $2,260 $3,000
Average home value $474,909 $631,669
Average income (per capita) $66,964 $72,918
Cost of living (single person) $2,176 $2,972
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,344 $6,875
Unemployment rate 3.5% 7.6%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.75%
State income tax 4.25% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Fontana are 33% higher than in Ann Arbor, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Ann Arbor.
    Home prices in Fontana are 33.0% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Income in Fontana is 8.9% higher than in Ann Arbor, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Fontana include California Steel Industries, Fontana Unified, and California Aseptic Beverages.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Fontana, since the cost of living for a single person in Fontana is 36.6% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Fontana, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Fontana is 28.6% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • The unemployment rate in Fontana is 117.14% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Fontana, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fontana are 29.17% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • State income taxes in Fontana are 212.94% higher than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,097.43 in Fontana to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Fontana

Fontana Ann Arbor
Population 212,704 123,851
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 37 52
Bike friendliness score 41 71
Crime Index 31.65 31.0
Safety Index 68.35 79.18
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Fontana's population is about 72% greater than Ann Arbor.
  • Fontana's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
  • Fontana is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
  • Fontana has a bike-friendliness score 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • Fontana and Ann Arbor have a similar crime rate.
  • Fontana is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 68.35 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
  • Air quality in Fontana is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor vs. Fontana move

  • Weather: Fontana is frequently affected by the strong, hot and dry Santa Ana winds as they blow through the nearby Cajon Pass of the San Gabriel mountains, from the Mojave Desert. Fontana can also be extremely hot in summer, well over 100 ยฐF
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Fontana. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Fontana

Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Fontana.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Fontana
  • North Fontana
  • Rancho Fontana
  • South Fontana
  • Walnut Village

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Sierra Lakes
  • Hunter's Ridge
  • Southridge Village
  • Heritage Village
  • Summit Heights

Things to do in Fontana

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

  • Arts and culture: Fontana is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Mary Vagle Museum & Nature Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional 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 game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Fontana?

The best time to move from Ann Arbor to Fontana is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Ann Arbor.

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Fontana?

Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor to Fontana in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Ann Arbor to Fontana take?

The 2,193-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Fontana, CA, takes six to 17 days. Some Ann Arbor movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fontana.

Helpful moving resources