Moving from Newark, NJ to Detroit, MI
Relocating 608 mi from Newark to Detroit is a 11h 26m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
608 mi Β· 11h 26m by car Β· MI β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Detroit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.9% moving from Newark to Detroit β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $478,455 in Newark to $75,358 in Detroit, a 10.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Detroit -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newark | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 34.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.8Β°F vs 50.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, DEARBORN #2, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 636,644 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $39,575 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 10.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.51 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.9% lower in Detroit than Newark.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Detroit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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 snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Detroit, MI from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 608 mi and the route typically takes 11h 26m via I 80 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 Detroit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 608 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Newark vs Detroit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,575 in Detroit vs $48,416 in Newark β a 18.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Detroit more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Detroit is 10.9% lower than Newark (100.298 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Detroit compare to Newark?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Detroit MSA vs $59,390 in the Newark MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Detroit compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $75,358 in Detroit vs $478,455 in Newark β a 84.2% lower 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· Detroit, MI.