Factors influencing moving costs from McAllen to Fontanatoggle

The cost of McAllen 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 McAllen to Fontana can be as low as $1,531 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 10,457.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in McAllen, 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 $1,164 to $2,937. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from McAllen to Fontana

Moving from McAllen to Fontana comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Fontana is generally more expensive than McAllen, 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:

McAllen Fontana
Average rent cost $1,350 $3,000
Average home value $221,244 $631,669
Average income (per capita) $57,439 $72,918
Cost of living (single person) $1,457 $2,972
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,557 $6,875
Unemployment rate 7.9% 7.6%
Sales tax 8.25% 7.75%
State income tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Fontana are 122% higher than in McAllen, 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 McAllen.
    Home prices in Fontana are 185.5% higher than in McAllen.
  • Income in Fontana is 26.9% higher than in McAllen, 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 104.0% higher than in McAllen. 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 93.3% higher than in McAllen.
  • The unemployment rate in Fontana is 3.80% lower than in McAllen.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fontana, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fontana are 6.06% lower than in McAllen.
  • State income taxes in Fontana are 13.30% higher than in McAllen.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,119.42 in Fontana to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in McAllen.

How life is different in McAllen vs. Fontana

Fontana McAllen
Population 212,704 142,210
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 3
Walkability score 37 41
Bike friendliness score 41 46
Crime Index 31.65 36.26
Safety Index 68.35 63.74
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Fontana's population is about 50% greater than McAllen.
  • Fontana's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus McAllen's lower score of 3.
  • Fontana is less walkable than McAllen with a score of 37 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 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 McAllen, which has a score of 46 out of 100.
  • Fontana's crime rate is lower than McAllen with a score of 31.65 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Fontana neighborhoods are safer than 31.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
  • Fontana is considered to be safer than McAllen with a safety index of 68.35 vs McAllen's 63.74.
  • Air quality in Fontana is good, and in McAllen it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your McAllen 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s 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 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While California doesnโ€™t 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 youโ€™re settled into your new home in California, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Fontana has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s 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 cityโ€™s 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 McAllen to Fontana?

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

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

Because most people are moving from McAllen 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 McAllen to Fontana take?

The 1,547-mile move from McAllen, TX, to Fontana, CA, takes four to 15 days. Some McAllen 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