Moving from Norfolk, VA to Jersey City, NJ
The 348 mi from Norfolk to Jersey City translate to about 7h 35m 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.
348 mi · 7h 35m by car · NJ → DE → MD → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → DE → MD → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 13, NJTP, I 95 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, New York, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norfolk | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.941 in Norfolk to 112.563 in Jersey City, a 14.9% 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: 14.9% above Norfolk on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Norfolk +0.7%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norfolk | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.0" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.7" | 50.4" |
Climate cools by 6.6°F on the annual average — 61.4°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: NORFOLK NAS, VA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norfolk | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,037 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $64,017 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.49 | 2.35 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 14.9% between Norfolk 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 Virginia 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
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
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 — Jersey City averages 28.2 in annually vs 3.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Norfolk?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $306,227 in Norfolk — a 115.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Norfolk vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $64,017 in Norfolk — a 48.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Norfolk?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Norfolk and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 61.4°F in Norfolk (6.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 3.0 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 45.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Norfolk 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 348 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Norfolk?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 14.9% higher than Norfolk (112.563 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Norfolk, VA?
The driving distance is 348 mi and the route typically takes 7h 35m via US 13 and NJTP. The trip crosses 4 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 Norfolk.
City profiles: Norfolk, VA · Jersey City, NJ.