Moving from Tempe, AZ to Jersey City, NJ
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Jersey City, NJ is a 2398 mi cross-country relocation — about 43h 55m of driving through 10 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2398 mi · 43h 55m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → MO → OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → MO → OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 70, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 103.316 in Tempe to 112.563 in Jersey City, a 9.0% 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: 9.0% above Tempe on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 50.4" |
Major climate step-down: 17.0°F cooler annual average in Jersey City vs Tempe.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Jersey City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Jersey City is 9.0% above Tempe ($77,643 vs $94,813, ACS 5-year 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 Arizona 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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 0.0 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.0°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 2398 mi and the route typically takes 43h 55m via I 40 and I 70. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 40.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 71.8°F in Tempe (17.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 8.8 in.
When is the best time to move from Tempe 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 2398 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 9.0% higher than Tempe (112.563 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 22.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Jersey City, NJ.