Moving from Memphis, TN to Jersey City, NJ
It is 1087 mi between Memphis and Jersey City — roughly 20h 16m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 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.
1087 mi · 20h 16m by car · TN → VA → WV → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA → WV → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 40, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Allentown, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Jersey City is 22.1% above Memphis — one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
22.1% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 50.4" |
Annual temperature drops 8.6°F moving to Jersey City per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Jersey City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.35 |
Jersey City households earn about 22.1% more than Memphis at the median — $51,211 → $94,813 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City 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 Tennessee 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Jersey City averages 28.2 in annually vs 2.7 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City 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
Is Jersey City more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 22.1% higher than Memphis (112.563 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1087 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 63.4°F in Memphis (8.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 54.9 in.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 85.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 354.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 1087 mi and the route typically takes 20h 16m via I 81 and I 40. The trip crosses 5 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Jersey City, NJ.