Moving from Worcester, MA to Newark, NJ
The 186 mi from Worcester to Newark translate to about 4h 6m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
186 mi · 4h 6m by car · NJ → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, CT 15, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, New York, Jersey City, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.8% pricier overall in Newark than Worcester on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 9.8% higher in Newark than Worcester as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 50.4" |
Climate warms by 6.7°F on the annual average — 48.1°F → 54.8°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Newark sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.7 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.8% between Worcester and Newark (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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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 — 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 — 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 household income compare in Worcester vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 28.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Newark more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 9.8% higher than Worcester (112.563 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 11.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Newark, NJ from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 186 mi and the route typically takes 4h 6m via I 95 and CT 15. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Newark?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Newark vs 48.1°F in Worcester (6.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 48.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 186 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Newark, NJ.