Moving from Richmond, VA to Jersey City, NJ
Relocating between Richmond, VA and Jersey City, NJ is a 330 mi drive — 6h 47m 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.
330 mi · 6h 47m by car · NJ → DE → MD → DC → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → DE → MD → DC → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 395 |
| 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
| Richmond | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.858 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.221 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.773 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.136 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Jersey City runs about 15.0% more expensive overall than Richmond — RPP 97.858 → 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $369,646 in Richmond to $658,269 in Jersey City, a 15.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Richmond +1.4%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Richmond | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 29°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.8" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.5" | 50.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 58.9°F vs 54.8°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Jersey City sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $62,671 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.0% — $62,671 → $94,813 per ACS 5-year estimates (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
- Winter gear first: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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 — 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 far is Jersey City, NJ from Richmond, VA?
The driving distance is 330 mi and the route typically takes 6h 47m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $369,646 in Richmond — a 78.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 15.0% higher than Richmond (112.563 vs 97.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $48,470 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 647,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Richmond and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 58.9°F in Richmond (4.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 8.8 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 45.5 in.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $62,671 in Richmond — a 51.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Richmond 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 330 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, VA · Jersey City, NJ.