Moving from Overland Park, KS to Jersey City, NJ
A move from Overland Park, KS to Jersey City, NJ covers 1202 mi and around 23h 1m of driving through 8 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1202 mi · 23h 1m by car · NJ → PA → WV → OH → IN → IL → MO → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → WV → OH → IN → IL → MO → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Overland Park | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 21.6% higher overall in Jersey City vs Overland Park on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Jersey City: 21.6% above Overland Park on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Overland Park +5.0%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Overland Park | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 50.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Jersey City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Overland Park | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,199 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $103,838 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.5% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Jersey City is 21.6% below Overland Park ($103,838 → $94,813, 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 Kansas 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
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
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Overland Park, KS?
The driving distance is 1202 mi and the route typically takes 23h 1m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Overland Park?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 21.6% higher than Overland Park (112.563 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Overland Park vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $103,838 in Overland Park — a 8.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Overland Park?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $482,295 in Overland Park — a 36.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Overland Park?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Overland Park 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 1202 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Overland Park and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 55.1°F in Overland Park (0.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 13.8 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 40.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Overland Park.
City profiles: Overland Park, KS · Jersey City, NJ.