Moving from Tacoma, WA to Newark, NJ
A 2861 mi cross-country move between Tacoma and Newark is 50h 50m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 11 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2861 mi Β· 50h 50m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tacoma | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 111.133 vs 112.563 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $493,840 vs $478,455.
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 50.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Tacoma (53.7Β°F) and Newark (54.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Newark averages 28.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.7 |
Newark households earn about 1.3% less than Tacoma at the median β $83,857 β $48,416 on ACS 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 Washington 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 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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Newark averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β 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
Is Newark more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 1.3% higher than Tacoma (112.563 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Newark, NJ from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 2861 mi and the route typically takes 50h 50m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2861 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 Tacoma vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 42.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 3.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tacoma.
City profiles: Tacoma, WA Β· Newark, NJ.