Moving from Detroit, MI to Newark, NJ
It is 608 mi between Detroit and Newark β roughly 11h 26m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
608 mi Β· 11h 26m by car Β· MI β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Detroit | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 12.2% above Detroit β 100.298 β 112.563 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
12.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Detroit -3.0%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Detroit | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.9" | 50.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Newark.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DEARBORN #2, MI US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Detroit | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,644 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $39,575 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.5% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.7 |
Newark households earn about 12.2% more than Detroit at the median β $39,575 β $48,416 on ACS 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 Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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
How does the job market in Newark compare to Detroit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $48,950 in the Detroit MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Detroit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $75,358 in Detroit β a 534.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Newark, NJ from Detroit, MI?
The driving distance is 608 mi and the route typically takes 11h 26m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Detroit vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $39,575 in Detroit β a 22.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 608 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Newark more expensive than Detroit?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 12.2% higher than Detroit (112.563 vs 100.298, 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 Detroit.
City profiles: Detroit, MI Β· Newark, NJ.