Moving from Rochester, MN to Jersey City, NJ
The drive from Rochester, MN to Jersey City, NJ runs 1136 mi — about 21h 12m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1136 mi · 21h 12m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Jersey City runs 23.9% higher than Rochester — a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (90.821 → 112.563, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Jersey City is 23.9% above Rochester — $339,455 vs $658,269 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 50.4" |
Climate warms by 10.0°F on the annual average — 44.8°F → 54.8°F.
Jersey City averages 28.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.35 |
Income steps up 23.9%: $87,767 in Rochester vs $94,813 in Jersey City.
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 Minnesota 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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.0°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Jersey City more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 23.9% higher than Rochester (112.563 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 1136 mi and the route typically takes 21h 12m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 1136 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 8.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 93.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 44.8°F in Rochester (10.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 34.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Jersey City, NJ.