Moving from El Paso, TX to Jersey City, NJ
It is 2181 mi and 38h 49m from El Paso to Jersey City — a cross-country move across 7 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2181 mi · 38h 49m by car · TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Odessa, Midland, Abilene, Fort Worth, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Paso | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.912 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.585 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.248 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Jersey City is 25.2% more expensive than El Paso 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 $234,775 in El Paso to $658,269 in Jersey City, a 25.2% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: El Paso +1.4%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | El Paso | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.8" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 50.4" |
Expect 11.4°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Jersey City sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: EL PASO INTL AP, TX US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Paso | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,147 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $58,734 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.8 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to rise 25.2% — $58,734 → $94,813 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City 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 Texas 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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 — Jersey City averages 28.2 in annually vs 2.8 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City 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 (11.4°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
How far is Jersey City, NJ from El Paso, TX?
The driving distance is 2181 mi and the route typically takes 38h 49m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between El Paso and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 66.2°F in El Paso (11.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 2.8 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 8.8 in.
Is Jersey City more expensive than El Paso?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 25.2% higher than El Paso (112.563 vs 89.912, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in El Paso vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $58,734 in El Paso — a 61.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from El Paso to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2181 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to El Paso?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $234,775 in El Paso — a 180.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to El Paso?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $36,000 in the El Paso MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 323,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from El Paso.
City profiles: El Paso, TX · Jersey City, NJ.