Fontana, CA → Chico, CA · Long-distance move
About 541 road miles heading northwest. Typical two-bedroom cost $4,360–$6,480, delivery in 2–5 days, 1,173 carriers on the Fontana side and 47 in Chico.
The route from Fontana, CA to Chico, CA covers roughly 541 miles by road, a northwest-bound trip that falls into the long-distance move category for pricing purposes.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $4,360 to $6,480 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 2 to 5 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 10 h 2 min.
On the Fontana side there are 1,173 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (642 of them authorized for interstate work), and 47 around Chico (22 interstate). For an in-state move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Chico.
Fontana has a population of about 221,223 and Chico about 105,081. Fontana is considerably denser (4,835 people per square mile versus 2,976), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,740 | $2,120 | $2,590 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,610 | $3,190 | $3,890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $4,360 | $5,310 | $6,480 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $6,970 | $8,500 | $10,370 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $9,580 | $11,680 | $14,260 |
$860–$1,210
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,500–$2,210
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$4,360–$6,480
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Fontana, CA → Chico, CA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
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Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,740 to $2,590 for a studio, $2,610 to $3,890 for a one-bedroom, $4,360 to $6,480 for a two-bedroom, $6,970 to $10,370 for a three-bedroom and $9,580 to $14,260 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 541 road miles (458 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 10 h 2 min.
Expect a delivery window of 2 to 5 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
No. Because both Fontana and Chico are in California, this is an intrastate move regulated by the state rather than the FMCSA. Still, choosing a carrier with an active USDOT number is the easiest way to confirm the company is a registered motor carrier with insurance on file.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $860 to $1,210 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,500 to $2,210. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Fontana–Chico corridor.