Moving from Kansas City, MO to Newark, NJ
It is 1183 mi between Kansas City and Newark — roughly 22h 41m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 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.
1183 mi · 22h 41m by car · MO → IL → IN → OH → WV → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IL → IN → OH → WV → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP climbs from 92.543 in Kansas City to 112.563 in Newark, putting overall prices 21.6% above the origin.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 21.6% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $250,208 to $478,455 moving to Newark.
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Kansas City | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 50.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Kansas City (56.9°F) and Newark (54.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Newark averages 28.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.7 |
Newark households earn about 21.6% less than Kansas City at the median — $67,449 → $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 Missouri 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 — 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
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 — 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 — 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
What is the climate difference between Kansas City and Newark?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Newark vs 56.9°F in Kansas City (2.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 11.0 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 38.1 in.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $250,208 in Kansas City — a 91.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1183 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Newark, NJ from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 1183 mi and the route typically takes 22h 41m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $67,449 in Kansas City — a 28.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Newark more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 21.6% higher than Kansas City (112.563 vs 92.543, 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO · Newark, NJ.