Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Cambridge, MA
Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Cambridge, MA covers 216 mi and about 4h 41m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
216 mi Β· 4h 41m by car Β· NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 95, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jersey City | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Cambridge and Jersey City is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cambridge is 3.8% above Jersey City β $658,269 vs $1,041,569 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Jersey City -0.7%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jersey City | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 49.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Jersey City (54.8Β°F) and Cambridge (51.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jersey City | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,691 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.4% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Cambridge is 3.8% above Jersey City ($94,813 vs $126,469, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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 off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Jersey City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $658,269 in Jersey City β a 58.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Jersey City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 3.8% lower than Jersey City (108.266 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Jersey City, NJ?
The driving distance is 216 mi and the route typically takes 4h 41m via I 90 and I 95. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 216 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 Jersey City vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $94,813 in Jersey City β a 33.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jersey City.
City profiles: Jersey City, NJ Β· Cambridge, MA.