Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to NJ
There are many factors that influence
Pennsylvania moving costs.
The cost to move from Pennsylvania to New Jersey will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
-
Time of year: The peak moving season
in Pennsylvania is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
-
DIY vs. professional mover:
DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from PA to NJ
If you’re moving to New Jersey from Pennsylvania, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. New Jersey
|
Pennsylvania |
New Jersey |
Average rent cost |
$1,110 |
$1,368 |
Average home cost |
$268,824 |
$534,773 |
Average income (per capita) |
$73,170 |
$97,126 |
Cost of Living Index |
99 |
114 |
Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
4.7% |
Average Sales Tax |
6.34% |
6.6% |
State Income Tax |
3.07% |
10.7% |
-
Rent is about 23% more expensive in New Jersey than in Pennsylvania.
-
Home prices are about 99% higher in New Jersey than in Pennsylvania.
-
The average income is about 33% higher in New Jersey than in Pennsylvania.
-
Cost of living is 15% lower in New Jersey than in Pennsylvania.
-
New Jersey has a higher unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 38%.
-
Sales taxes are 4% higher in New Jersey than in Pennsylvania.
-
Income taxes are 249% higher in New Jersey than in Pennsylvania.
How life is different in New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania
|
New Jersey |
Pennsylvania |
Population |
9,290,841 |
12,961,683 |
Political leaning |
Democratic 52-46.1 |
Republican 51-49 |
Summer high |
85ºF |
83ºF |
Winter low |
22ºF |
19ºF |
Annual rain |
48" |
44" |
Annual snow |
23" |
38" |
Crime index |
16.2 |
17.62 |
-
The population of New Jersey is approximately 28% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
-
In the last presidential election, New Jersey voted Democratic and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in New Jersey is 85ºF
and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, New Jersey reaches the temperature of 22ºF
and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
-
You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in New Jersey versus 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
-
In New Jersey, it snows about 23 inches annually
versus 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
-
New Jersey has a lower crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index
of 16.2 vs. 17.62.
Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. New Jersey
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in New Jersey compared to Pennsylvania.
Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
Pros of living in New Jersey |
Low cost of living |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Abundant fun and recreational activities |
Diversity |
Beautiful landscapes |
World-class entertainment |
Ample economic opportunity |
Leading education |
Excellent education options |
Superb health care |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. New Jersey
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Pennsylvania for New Jersey.
Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
Cons of living in New Jersey |
Harsh winter weather |
Extreme weather |
Bad driving conditions |
Congested population |
Nuclear power plants |
High cost of living |
Unpredictable weather |
High tax burden |
High taxes on gasoline |
Terrible traffic |
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to New Jersey move
- Weather: New Jersey summers are typically hot and humid and winters are usually cold. During winter and early spring, New Jersey can experience "nor'easters", which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout the northeastern United States.
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator
and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
-
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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a New Jersey moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
-
Moving permits:
New Jersey does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
-
Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to New Jersey.
Get started here.
-
Mover's insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers.
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:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in New Jersey
While you’re in New Jersey, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Atlantic City and Boardwalk
- Ocean City
- Cape May
- Grounds for Sculpture
- Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach Water Park
- Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari
- Battleship New Jersey
- Thomas Edison National Historical Park
- Liberty Science Center
- Adventure Aquarium
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
- Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
- Monmouth Battlefield State Park
- Liberty State Park
- High Point State Park
- Lucy the Elephant
- Paterson Great Falls
- Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
- Sterling Hill Mining Museum
- Island Beach State Park
- Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
- Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
- Garden State Discovery Museum
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Pennsylvania to New Jersey?
Do movers transport your car from Pennsylvania to New Jersey?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from Pennsylvania to New Jersey
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to New Jersey?
The main reasons people are moving from Pennsylvania to New Jersey are the amazing upsides of living in New Jersey such as
bountiful recreational opportunities and diversity.
Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey?
It is generally cheaper to live in Pennsylvania than in New Jersey.
Housing
is much more affordable in Pennsylvania,
with average rent about 19% less
and home prices 50% lower than in New Jersey.
Taxes are also lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 70% less than those paid by
New Jersey residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in New Jersey?
You should make approximately $44,219 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in New Jersey.
The cost of living in New Jersey is approximately $3,026 per month for an individual and $6,438 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in New Jersey you live
For example, larger cities like Trenton and Newark will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes