Factors influencing moving costs from Detroit to Jersey Citytoggle

The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Detroit to Jersey City can be as low as $1,378 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,021.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $569 to $1,330. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Jersey City

Detroit Jersey City
Average rent cost $1,250 $2,975
Average home value $73,156 $589,419
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $75,265
Cost of living (single person) $1,175 $1,091
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,145 $4,028
Unemployment rate 9.06% 8.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.63%
State income tax 4.25% 10.7%
  • Rent prices in Jersey City are 138% higher than in Detroit.
  • Home prices in Jersey City are 705.7% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Jersey City is 99.3% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Jersey City is 7.1% lower than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a family in Jersey City is 2.8% lower than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Jersey City is 8.39% lower than in Detroit.
  • Sales taxes in Jersey City are 10.50% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Jersey City are 151.76% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,785.53 in Jersey City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Jersey City

Jersey City Detroit
Population 292,449 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 7
Walkability score 87 51
Bike friendliness score 64 52
Crime Index 43.21 72.92
Safety Index 56.79 27.08
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Jersey City's population is about 54% less than Detroit.
  • Jersey City's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Jersey City is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 87 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
  • With a score of 64 out of 100, Jersey City is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Jersey City's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 43.21 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
  • Jersey City is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 56.79 vs Detroit's 27.08.
  • Air quality in Jersey City is moderate, and in Detroit it's good.

Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Jersey City move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the best months in Jersey City, while January and February are the least comfortable months as these are the coldest. Plan your moves accordingly.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The stateโ€™s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New Jersey moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New Jersey does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Jersey City. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Jersey City

Now that you've decided to make the move to "J.C.", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Jersey City.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Journal Square
  • Mcginley Square
  • The Heights
  • The Waterfront
  • Liberty Park
  • Downtown

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Greenville
  • Mcginley Square
  • West Side
  • Hackensack Waterfront
  • Grove Street
  • Downtown

Things to do in Jersey Citytoggle

After settling into your new New Jersey home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Jersey City has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Jersey City is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Liberty Science Center, Mana Contemporary, 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace, Novado Gallery, and DT234 Gallery & Art Studio.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Liberty State Park, Liberty Landing Marina, J. Owen Grundy Park, and Lincoln Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Saint Peterโ€™s Peacocks (MAAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Detroit to Jersey City?

The best time to move from Detroit to Jersey City is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Detroit.

When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Jersey City?

Because most people are moving from Detroit to Jersey City in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Detroit to Jersey City take?

The 612-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Jersey City, NJ, takes one to six days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Jersey City.

Helpful moving resources