Moving from Kent, WA to Newark, NJ
Moving from Kent, WA to Newark, NJ is a 2845 mi cross-country relocation β about 50h 29m 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.
2845 mi Β· 50h 29m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Newark and Kent 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 Newark is 1.3% below Kent β $656,314 vs $478,455 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 50.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Kent (53.8Β°F) and Newark (54.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Newark averages 28.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.7 |
Median household income in Newark is 1.3% below Kent ($90,416 vs $48,416, ACS 5-year 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 Washington 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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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 β 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 β 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
How does household income compare in Kent vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $90,416 in Kent β a 46.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $656,314 in Kent β a 27.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Newark, NJ from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 2845 mi and the route typically takes 50h 29m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Kent to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2845 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Newark more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 1.3% higher than Kent (112.563 vs 111.133, 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 Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Newark, NJ.