Moving from Newark, NJ to Cambridge, MA
Moving from Newark, NJ to Cambridge, MA covers 220 mi and about 4h 46m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
220 mi Β· 4h 46m by car Β· NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 90, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, New York, Jersey City, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Newark (112.563) and Cambridge (108.266) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Cambridge: 3.8% above Newark on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newark | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 49.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Cambridge is 3.8% above Newark ($48,416 vs $126,469, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Newark vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $48,416 in Newark β a 161.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 220 mi and the route typically takes 4h 46m via I 95 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Newark to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 220 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 3.8% lower than Newark (108.266 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $478,455 in Newark β a 117.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ Β· Cambridge, MA.