Moving from New York, NY to Jersey City, NJ
It is a short 11 mi hop from New York, NY to Jersey City, NJ — roughly 30 min behind the wheel. Even at local distance, household costs and housing values can diverge more than the mileage suggests. Below you will find a direct comparison on BEA cost-of-living, Zillow home values, Census demographics, BLS wages, and NOAA climate.
11 mi · 30 min by car · NY → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 78, CR 639, NJ 139 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, Paterson, Elizabeth, Newark |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New York | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 112.563 vs 112.563 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 0.0% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: New York +4.5%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | New York | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 85°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 24.5" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.1" | 50.4" |
Annual average temperatures in New York (55.5°F) and Jersey City (54.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Jersey City 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: NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New York | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,516,202 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $79,713 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 38 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.35 |
Households in Jersey City earn about 0.0% more at the median — ACS 5-year 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 New York 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
- 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
- Winter gear first: Jersey City 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: 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
When is the best time to move from New York 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 11 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from New York, NY?
The driving distance is 11 mi and the route typically takes 30 min via I 78 and CR 639. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in New York vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $79,713 in New York — a 18.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to New York?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $812,861 in New York — a 19.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between New York and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 55.5°F in New York (0.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 24.5 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 47.1 in.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to New York?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $59,390 in the New York MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New York.
City profiles: New York, NY · Jersey City, NJ.