Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Newark, NJ
It is a 359 mi drive, roughly 7h 3m, between Pittsburgh, PA and Newark, NJ. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
359 mi Β· 7h 3m by car Β· NJ β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, PATP, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pittsburgh | Newark | 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 |
Newark runs about 18.9% more expensive overall than Pittsburgh β RPP 94.671 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $237,533 in Pittsburgh to $478,455 in Newark, a 18.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pittsburgh -0.4%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pittsburgh | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 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" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.4Β°F vs 54.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Newark sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pittsburgh | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,620 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $64,137 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.6% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.21 | 2.7 |
Newark households earn about 18.9% less than Pittsburgh at the median β $64,137 β $48,416 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark 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: Newark 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: Newark 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
Is Newark more expensive than Pittsburgh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark 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 Newark, NJ from Pittsburgh, PA?
The driving distance is 359 mi and the route typically takes 7h 3m 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 Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $64,137 in Pittsburgh β a 24.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 359 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 Newark compared to Pittsburgh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $237,533 in Pittsburgh β a 101.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Pittsburgh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pittsburgh.
City profiles: Pittsburgh, PA Β· Newark, NJ.