Moving from Downey, CA to Jersey City, NJ
Moving from Downey, CA to Jersey City, NJ is a 2786 mi cross-country relocation β about 49h 36m 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.
2786 mi Β· 49h 36m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Downey | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Jersey City and Downey are close on the overall BEA RPP (113.566 vs 112.563); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Jersey City typical home at $658,269 is 0.9% under Downey at $888,710 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Downey +1.2%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Downey | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.0" | 50.4" |
Jersey City is 10.1Β°F cooler on the annual average (64.9Β°F vs 54.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Significant snow at the destination: Jersey City sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Downey | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,793 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $87,400 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 37 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Jersey City is 0.9% above Downey ($87,400 β $94,813, 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 California 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts 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: 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Jersey City more expensive than Downey?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 0.9% lower than Downey (112.563 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Downey?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $50,490 in the Downey MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Downey?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $888,710 in Downey β a 25.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Downey 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 2786 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Downey vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $87,400 in Downey β a 8.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Downey, CA?
The driving distance is 2786 mi and the route typically takes 49h 36m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Downey.
City profiles: Downey, CA Β· Jersey City, NJ.