Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Detroit, MI
Relocating 613 mi from Jersey City to Detroit is a 11h 35m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
613 mi Β· 11h 35m 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
| Jersey City | Detroit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.9% moving from Jersey City to Detroit β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $658,269 in Jersey City to $75,358 in Detroit, a 10.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jersey City -0.7%, Detroit -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jersey City | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 34.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.8Β°F vs 50.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, DEARBORN #2, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jersey City | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,691 | 636,644 |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $39,575 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.4% | 10.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.51 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.9% β $94,813 β $39,575 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Detroit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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.
Frequently asked
Is Detroit more expensive than Jersey City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Detroit is 10.9% lower than Jersey City (100.298 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Detroit, MI from Jersey City, NJ?
The driving distance is 613 mi and the route typically takes 11h 35m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Detroit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 613 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 Detroit compared to Jersey City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $75,358 in Detroit vs $658,269 in Jersey City β a 88.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Jersey City vs Detroit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,575 in Detroit vs $94,813 in Jersey City β a 58.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Detroit compare to Jersey City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Detroit MSA vs $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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· Detroit, MI.