Moving from Newark, NJ to Cleveland, OH
It is a 452 mi drive, roughly 8h 37m, between Newark, NJ and Cleveland, OH. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
452 mi Β· 8h 37m by car Β· OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 480, I 271 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Paterson, Yonkers, Elizabeth, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 16.6% moving from Newark to Cleveland β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $478,455 in Newark to $115,537 in Cleveland, a 16.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newark | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 33.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.8Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.18 |
Households in Cleveland earn about 16.6% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Cleveland, OH from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 452 mi and the route typically takes 8h 37m via I 80 and I 480. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 16.6% lower than Newark (93.923 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $478,455 in Newark β a 75.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Newark to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 452 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Newark vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $48,416 in Newark β a 19.1% lower 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 Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ Β· Cleveland, OH.