Moving from Newark, NJ to Worcester, MA
The 186 mi from Newark to Worcester translate to about 4h 6m behind the wheel through 4 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.
186 mi · 4h 6m by car · NJ → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, CT 15, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, New York, Jersey City, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Worcester are 8.9% below Newark — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 8.9% lower in Worcester than Newark as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Newark | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 48.3" |
Climate cools by 6.7°F on the annual average — 54.8°F → 48.1°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Worcester sees 72.9 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.9% between Newark and Worcester (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
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 — Worcester averages 72.9 in annually vs 28.2 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Worcester more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 8.9% lower than Newark (102.523 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $478,455 in Newark — a 10.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Worcester, MA from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 186 mi and the route typically takes 4h 6m via I 95 and CT 15. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Newark to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 186 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Newark vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $48,416 in Newark — a 39.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Newark and Worcester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.1°F in Worcester vs 54.8°F in Newark (6.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 72.9 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 50.4 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ · Worcester, MA.