Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Jersey City, NJ
Relocating between Pittsburgh, PA and Jersey City, NJ is a 366 mi drive β 7h 14m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
366 mi Β· 7h 14m by car Β· PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, PATP, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Allentown, Paterson, Newark, Elizabeth, New York |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pittsburgh | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.671 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.711 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.684 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.986 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 18.9% above Pittsburgh β 94.671 β 112.563 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
18.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Pittsburgh -0.4%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pittsburgh | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.3" | 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 1991β2020 (stations: PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pittsburgh | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,620 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $64,137 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.6% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.21 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to rise 18.9% β $64,137 β $94,813 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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
- 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 β 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 β 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 Pittsburgh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,071,900 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Pittsburgh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 18.9% higher than Pittsburgh (112.563 vs 94.671, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Pittsburgh, PA?
The driving distance is 366 mi and the route typically takes 7h 14m via I 76 and PATP. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Pittsburgh vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $64,137 in Pittsburgh β a 47.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 366 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Pittsburgh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $237,533 in Pittsburgh β a 177.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pittsburgh.
City profiles: Pittsburgh, PA Β· Jersey City, NJ.