Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Worcester, MA
The 182 mi from Jersey City to Worcester translate to about 4h behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
182 mi · 4h by car · NJ → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, CT 15, I 84 |
| 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 | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 102.523, putting Worcester roughly 8.9% below Jersey City on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Worcester: 8.9% below Jersey City on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Jersey City -0.7%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Jersey City | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 48.3" |
Climate cools by 6.7°F on the annual average — 54.8°F → 48.1°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 72.9 in of snowfall annually at Worcester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jersey City | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,691 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.4% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.9% between Jersey City and Worcester (ACS 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 — 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Worcester averages 72.9 in annually vs 28.2 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Jersey City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $658,269 in Jersey City — a 34.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Jersey City vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $94,813 in Jersey City — a 28.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Worcester more expensive than Jersey City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 8.9% lower than Jersey City (102.523 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Jersey City and Worcester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.1°F in Worcester vs 54.8°F in Jersey City (6.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 72.9 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 50.4 in.
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 182 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Worcester, MA from Jersey City, NJ?
The driving distance is 182 mi and the route typically takes 4h via I 95 and CT 15. The trip crosses 4 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 Jersey City.
City profiles: Jersey City, NJ · Worcester, MA.