When moving from California to New Jersey, you’ll likely pay between $4,154–$8,181 with professional movers, roughly
$3,930 for a moving container, and about
$2,629
for a rental truck.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to New Jersey?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,379 – $5,814 | $1,461 – $3,400 | $1,457 – $3,125 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $4,154 – $8,181 | $2,492 – $5,369 | $1,645 – $3,614 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,146 – $12,430 | $3,338 – $6,836 | $2,122 – $4,176 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,379 – $5,814
- 2–3 bedrooms: $4,154 – $8,181
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,146 – $12,430
How much do moving containers cost from California to New Jersey?
- Small move: $1,461 – $3,400
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,492 – $5,369
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,338 – $6,836
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,457 – $3,125
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,645 – $3,614
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,122 – $4,176
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,886-mile move from CA to NJ using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 15, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to NJ?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | New Jersey | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,368 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $534,773 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $97,126 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 114 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 10.7% |
Will rent be more expensive in New Jersey?
Rent is about 26% lower in New Jersey than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,368
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 31% lower in New Jersey than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $534,773
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 6% higher in New Jersey than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $97,126
Is the overall cost of living higher in New Jersey?
The cost of living is 15% lower in New Jersey than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 114
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 24% lower in New Jersey than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 6.6%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 20% lower in New Jersey than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 10.7%
How is daily life different in New Jersey compared to California?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| New Jersey | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,290,841 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52-46.1 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 22ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 23″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 16.2 | 28.43 |
Will New Jersey feel more crowded than California?
New Jersey is about 76% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both California and New Jersey voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (85°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: New Jersey is colder on average (22°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in New Jersey?
Rain: New Jersey gets more rain (48″ vs. 22″).
Snow: New Jersey gets more snow (23 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is New Jersey safer than California?
New Jersey has a lower crime index than California (16.2 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in New Jersey?
Museums in New Jersey
- Cape May Lighthouse
- Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury Park
- Battleship New Jersey
- Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
- Newark Museum
Parks in New Jersey
- Branch Brook Park
- Laurel Acres Park
- The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
- Roosevelt Park
- Bergen County Zoological Park
Sports teams in New Jersey
- New Jersey Devils (NHL)
- New York Giants (NFL)
- New York Jets (NFL)
- New York Red Bulls (MLS)
Universities in New Jersey
- Princeton University
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Seton Hall University
- Montclair State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to New Jersey move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a New Jersey moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in New Jersey, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to New Jersey right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you’re hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in New Jersey?
Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a New Jersey moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in New Jersey?
You don’t need a moving permit in New Jersey, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you’re hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
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