Moving from Birmingham, AL to Newark, NJ
Relocating 951 mi from Birmingham to Newark is a 17h 46m drive through 8 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.
951 mi · 17h 46m by car · NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 52, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Newark is 22.8% more expensive than Birmingham on the BEA RPP — expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $135,870 in Birmingham to $478,455 in Newark, a 22.8% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Birmingham | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 50.4" |
Expect 9.1°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
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: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.7 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 22.8% higher in Newark than Birmingham.
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 Alabama 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.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can 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 1.4 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.
- 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 Newark more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 22.8% higher than Birmingham (112.563 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $135,870 in Birmingham — a 252.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 509,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham 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 951 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Birmingham and Newark?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Newark vs 63.9°F in Birmingham (9.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 1.4 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 56.6 in.
How far is Newark, NJ from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 951 mi and the route typically takes 17h 46m via I 81 and US 52. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $44,376 in Birmingham — a 9.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL · Newark, NJ.