Moving from Manchester, NH to Jersey City, NJ
The 250 mi from Manchester to Jersey City translate to about 5h 28m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
250 mi · 5h 28m by car · NJ → NY → CT → MA → NH
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → NY → CT → MA → NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, CT 15, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 105.657 in Manchester to 112.563 in Jersey City, a 6.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Jersey City: 6.5% above Manchester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Manchester | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 13°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 81°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 50.4" |
Climate warms by 7.4°F on the annual average — 47.4°F → 54.8°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Jersey City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.35 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.5% between Manchester and Jersey City (ACS 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 New Hampshire 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather — check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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.
- 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
What is the climate difference between Manchester and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 47.4°F in Manchester (7.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 52.8 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 42.5 in.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $77,415 in Manchester — a 22.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $435,334 in Manchester — a 51.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 6.5% higher than Manchester (112.563 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Manchester 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 250 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 250 mi and the route typically takes 5h 28m via I 95 and CT 15. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH · Jersey City, NJ.