Moving from Tampa, FL to Newark, NJ
Relocating 1118 mi from Tampa to Newark is a 21h 19m drive through 9 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1118 mi · 21h 19m by car · FL → GA → SC → NC → VA → DC → MD → DE → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | FL → GA → SC → NC → VA → DC → MD → DE → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, US 301 |
| Major cities en route | St Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Gainesville, Jacksonville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tampa | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.6% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.6% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $374,888 to $478,455 moving to Newark.
YoY change: Tampa -3.5%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tampa | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 53°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.5" | 50.4" |
Expect 19.7°F colder on average per year — plan for heating load and winter gear.
Newark 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: TAMPA INTL AP, FL US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tampa | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 393,389 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $71,302 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.3% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.45 | 2.7 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.6% — $71,302 → $48,416 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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 — 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
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Newark averages 28.2 in annually vs 0.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.7°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
What is the climate difference between Tampa and Newark?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Newark vs 74.5°F in Tampa (19.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 49.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Tampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $374,888 in Tampa — a 27.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Tampa vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $71,302 in Tampa — a 32.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Newark, NJ from Tampa, FL?
The driving distance is 1118 mi and the route typically takes 21h 19m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Tampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $46,420 in the Tampa MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tampa to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1118 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Newark more expensive than Tampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 11.6% higher than Tampa (112.563 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tampa.
City profiles: Tampa, FL · Newark, NJ.