Moving from Madison, WI to Newark, NJ
Relocating 933 mi from Madison to Newark is a 17h 41m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
933 mi Β· 17h 41m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Newark runs about 15.7% more expensive overall than Madison β RPP 97.287 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Newark run about 15.7% pricier β ZHVI $423,767 β $478,455 (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 50.4" |
Expect 7.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Newark sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.7 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.7% β $76,983 β $48,416 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Wisconsin 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 β 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 β 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
When is the best time to move from Madison to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 933 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $76,983 in Madison β a 37.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $423,767 in Madison β a 12.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Newark, NJ from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 933 mi and the route typically takes 17h 41m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Newark more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 15.7% higher than Madison (112.563 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Newark, NJ.