Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Jersey City, NJ
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Jersey City, NJ covers 86 mi and about 1h 52m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
86 mi · 1h 52m by car · PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, US 1 TRUCK, US 9 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, Newark, Paterson, Yonkers, New York |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Philadelphia | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.554 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 114.389 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.833 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.141 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 102.554 in Philadelphia to 112.563 in Jersey City, a 9.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Jersey City: 9.8% above Philadelphia on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Philadelphia +2.0%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Philadelphia | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.1" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.7" | 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: PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Philadelphia | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,582,432 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $60,698 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Jersey City is 9.8% above Philadelphia ($60,698 vs $94,813, 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 Pennsylvania 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.
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 does the job market in Jersey City compare to Philadelphia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,829,560 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia 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 86 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 Philadelphia, PA?
The driving distance is 86 mi and the route typically takes 1h 52m via I 95 and US 1 TRUCK. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Philadelphia vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $60,698 in Philadelphia — a 56.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Philadelphia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 9.8% higher than Philadelphia (112.563 vs 102.554, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Philadelphia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $231,815 in Philadelphia — a 184.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Philadelphia and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 57.7°F in Philadelphia (2.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 16.1 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 50.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Philadelphia.
City profiles: Philadelphia, PA · Jersey City, NJ.