Factors influencing moving costs from Houston to Fontana
What to know before moving from Houston to Fontana
Moving from Houston to Fontana comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Fontana is generally more expensive than Houston, itโs 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:
Houston | Fontana | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,549 | $3,000 |
Average home value | $263,945 | $631,669 |
Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $72,918 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $2,972 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $6,875 |
Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 7.6% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.75% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Fontana are 94% higher than in Houston, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
Home prices in Fontana are 139.3% higher than in Houston. - Income in Fontana is 4.4% higher than in Houston, 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 7.3% higher than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Fontana is 3.9% lower than in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Fontana is 85.37% higher than in Houston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fontana, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fontana are 6.06% lower than in Houston.
- State income taxes in Fontana are 13.30% higher than in Houston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,218.77 in Fontana to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Fontana
Fontana | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 212,704 | 2,301,572 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 5 |
Walkability score | 37 | 47 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 49 |
Crime Index | 31.65 | 63.5 |
Safety Index | 68.35 | 36.5 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Fontana's population is about 91% less than Houston.
- Fontana's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Houston's lower score of 5.
- Fontana is less walkable than Houston with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 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 Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
- Fontana's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 31.65 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Fontana neighborhoods are safer than 31.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Fontana is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 68.35 vs Houston's 36.5.
- Air quality in Fontana is good, and in Houston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Houston 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While California doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Fontana without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Fontana
With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular 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
Once youโre settled into your new home in California, itโs time to get out and discover what Fontana has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Fontana features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Mary Vagle Museum & Nature Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Fontana?
The best time to move from Houston to Fontana is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Fontana?
Because most people are moving from Houston 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 Houston to Fontana take?
The 1,501-mile move from Houston, TX, to Fontana, CA, takes four to 15 days. Some Houston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fontana.