Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Jersey City, NJ
The drive from Minneapolis, MN to Jersey City, NJ runs 1194 mi β about 22h 15m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1194 mi Β· 22h 15m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Madison, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 104.822 in Minneapolis to 112.563 in Jersey City, a 7.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Jersey City: 7.4% above Minneapolis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 50.4" |
Climate warms by 9.0Β°F on the annual average β 45.8Β°F β 54.8Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Jersey City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 33 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.35 |
Income steps up 7.4%: $80,269 in Minneapolis vs $94,813 in Jersey City.
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 Minnesota 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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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
- Winter gear first: Jersey City 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: Jersey City 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
Is Jersey City more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 7.4% higher than Minneapolis (112.563 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1194 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 Jersey City compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 18.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 98.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 1194 mi and the route typically takes 22h 15m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 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 Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Jersey City, NJ.