Moving from Naperville, IL to Newark, NJ
It is 807 mi between Naperville and Newark β roughly 15h 7m 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.
807 mi Β· 15h 7m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 355 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.7% above Naperville β 103.595 β 112.563 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 50.4" |
Annual temperature rises 5.6Β°F moving to Newark per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Newark.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.7 |
Newark households earn about 8.7% less than Naperville at the median β $150,937 β $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 Illinois 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.
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 Naperville vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 67.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Newark more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 8.7% higher than Naperville (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 807 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 Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 21.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Newark, NJ from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 807 mi and the route typically takes 15h 7m via I 80 and I 90. 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 Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Newark, NJ.