Moving from Raleigh, NC to Newark, NJ
Relocating between Raleigh, NC and Newark, NJ is a 475 mi drive — 9h 38m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
475 mi · 9h 38m by car · NC → VA → DC → MD → DE → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NC → VA → DC → MD → DE → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 85, NJTP |
| Major cities en route | Durham, Cary, Richmond, Alexandria, Baltimore |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Raleigh | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Newark runs about 14.7% more expensive overall than Raleigh — RPP 98.157 → 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Newark run about 14.7% pricier — ZHVI $433,996 → $478,455 (2026-03).
YoY change: Raleigh -2.3%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Raleigh | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.5" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 50.4" |
Expect 6.3°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Newark sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RALEIGH STATE UNIV, NC US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Raleigh | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 470,763 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $82,424 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.5% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.7 |
Expect median household income to fall 14.7% — $82,424 → $48,416 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark 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 North Carolina 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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 — Newark averages 28.2 in annually vs 4.5 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark 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 Newark compared to Raleigh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $433,996 in Raleigh — a 10.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Raleigh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $48,800 in the Raleigh MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Newark more expensive than Raleigh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 14.7% higher than Raleigh (112.563 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 475 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Raleigh and Newark?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Newark vs 61.1°F in Raleigh (6.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 4.5 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 49.4 in.
How does household income compare in Raleigh vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $82,424 in Raleigh — a 41.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Newark, NJ from Raleigh, NC?
The driving distance is 475 mi and the route typically takes 9h 38m via I 95 and I 85. The trip crosses 6 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 Raleigh.
City profiles: Raleigh, NC · Newark, NJ.