Moving from Port St. Lucie, FL to Jersey City, NJ
A move from Port St. Lucie, FL to Jersey City, NJ covers 1167 mi and around 21h 54m of driving through 9 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.
1167 mi Β· 21h 54m by car Β· NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 295, NJTP |
| 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
| Port St. Lucie | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.228 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.031 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.642 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 100.228 in Port St. Lucie to 112.563 in Jersey City, a 12.3% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Port St. Lucie β, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Port St. Lucie | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 57Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 58.9" | 50.4" |
Major climate step-down: 20.4Β°F cooler annual average in Jersey City vs Port St. Lucie.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Jersey City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NETTLES IS, FL US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Port St. Lucie | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,453 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $78,137 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 43.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.78 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Jersey City is 12.3% above Port St. Lucie ($78,137 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 Florida 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
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can 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 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (20.4Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 household income compare in Port St. Lucie vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $78,137 in Port St. Lucie β a 21.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Port St. Lucie, FL?
The driving distance is 1167 mi and the route typically takes 21h 54m via I 95 and I 295. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Port St. Lucie?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 12.3% higher than Port St. Lucie (112.563 vs 100.228, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Port St. Lucie 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 1167 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Port St. Lucie?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $40,900 in the Port St. Lucie MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 163,210 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 Port St. Lucie.
City profiles: Port St. Lucie, FL Β· Jersey City, NJ.