Moving from Atlanta, GA to Newark, NJ
Relocating 854 mi from Atlanta to Newark is a 16h 38m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
854 mi Β· 16h 38m by car Β· GA β SC β NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β SC β NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 95, NJTP |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Charlotte, Concord, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 12.5% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 12.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $385,599 to $478,455 moving to Newark.
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 50.4" |
Expect 7.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Newark averages 28.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.7 |
Expect median household income to fall 12.5% β $81,938 β $48,416 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Georgia and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Newark averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Newark more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 12.5% higher than Atlanta (112.563 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 40.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Newark, NJ from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 854 mi and the route typically takes 16h 38m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 854 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 24.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Newark, NJ.