Moving from Concord, CA to Newark, NJ

Moving from Concord, CA to Newark, NJ is a 2880 mi cross-country relocation β€” about 50h 37m of driving through 11 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.

2880 mi Β· 50h 37m by car Β· NJ β†’ PA β†’ OH β†’ IN β†’ IL β†’ IA β†’ NE β†’ WY β†’ UT β†’ NV β†’ CA

COL -2.6% Home values -35.6% Ξ” -7.2Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2880 mi
Drive time
50h 37m
States
11
Fuel (25 mpg)
115 gal
Route throughNJ β†’ PA β†’ OH β†’ IN β†’ IL β†’ IA β†’ NE β†’ WY β†’ UT β†’ NV β†’ CA
Primary highwaysI 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 90
Major cities en routeNew York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Elizabeth, Paterson

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

ConcordNewarkU.S. avg
All items (RPP)115.613112.563100.0
Rents172.585127.018100.0
Goods108.465110.261100.0
Services194.718148.616100.0

Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Concord (115.613) and Newark (112.563) are within a few points of each other.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Concord β€” typical home
$742,769
Newark β€” typical home
$478,455
Concord β€” typical rent
$2,512/mo
Newark β€” typical rent
$2,127/mo

Homes run dramatically cheaper in Newark: 2.6% below Concord on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Concord -3.4%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsConcordNewark
Annual avg temperature62Β°F55Β°F
January avg low41Β°F25Β°F
July avg high88Β°F87Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”28.2"
Annual precipitation16.1"50.4"

Newark is 7.2Β°F cooler on the annual average (62.0Β°F vs 54.8Β°F, NOAA 1991–2020).

Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Newark.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CONCORD BUCHANAN FLD, CA US, HARRISON, NJ US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023ConcordNewark
Population124,260307,188
Median household income$109,195$48,416
Median age38.634.8
Bachelor's degree or higher26.1%12.2%
Avg household size2.722.7

Median household income in Newark is 2.6% below Concord ($109,195 vs $48,416, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Concord MSA β€” median wage
$72,050
Newark MSA β€” median wage
$59,390
Concord MSA β€” employment
2,422,210
Newark MSA β€” employment
9,495,240

Top occupations in Newark MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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 California and New Jersey

California income tax
13.3% top marginal
New Jersey income tax
10.75% top marginal

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 20–30% 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

  • The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
  • I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β€” check WYDOT 511 before departure.
  • I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
  • I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
  • Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.

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

When is the best time to move from Concord to Newark?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2880 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 Concord?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $742,769 in Concord β€” a 35.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Concord vs Newark?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $109,195 in Concord β€” a 55.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How does the job market in Newark compare to Concord?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $72,050 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How far is Newark, NJ from Concord, CA?

The driving distance is 2880 mi and the route typically takes 50h 37m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Is Newark more expensive than Concord?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 2.6% lower than Concord (112.563 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Concord.

City profiles: Concord, CA Β· Newark, NJ.

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