Moving from Baltimore, MD to Jersey City, NJ
The 183 mi from Baltimore to Jersey City translate to about 3h 47m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
183 mi Β· 3h 47m by car Β· MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJTP, I 95, I 895 |
| Major cities en route | Philadelphia, Elizabeth, Newark, Paterson, New York |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 104.487 in Baltimore to 112.563 in Jersey City, a 7.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Jersey City: 7.7% above Baltimore on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 50.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Jersey City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.35 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 7.7% between Baltimore and Jersey City (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City 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 Maryland 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Jersey City 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: Jersey City 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
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 250.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 59.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 7.7% higher than Baltimore (112.563 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 183 mi and the route typically takes 3h 47m via NJTP and I 95. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 183 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Jersey City, NJ.