Factors that influence moving costs from Lansing to Jersey Citytoggle

The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Lansing to Jersey City might cost as little as $1,427, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,202.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Lansing, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $615 to $1,488. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Lansing to Jersey City

Moving from Lansing to Jersey City comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Jersey City is generally more expensive than Lansing, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Lansing Jersey City
Average rent cost $1,129 $2,975
Average home value $148,542 $589,419
Average income (per capita) $64,729 $75,265
Cost of living (single person) $1,595 $4,397
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,199 $9,861
Unemployment rate 7.4% 8.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.63%
State income tax 4.25% 10.7%
  • Rent prices in Jersey City are 164% higher than in Lansing, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Jersey City are 296.8% higher than in Lansing.
  • Income in Jersey City is 16.3% higher than in Lansing, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Jersey City include Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Tokio Marine Management, and Farm Credit System.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Jersey City, since the cost of living for a single person in Jersey City is 175.7% higher than in Lansing. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Jersey City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Jersey City is 134.8% higher than in Lansing.
  • The unemployment rate in Jersey City is 12.16% higher than in Lansing.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Jersey City, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Jersey City are 10.50% higher than in Lansing.
  • State income taxes in Jersey City are 151.76% higher than in Lansing.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,270.22 in Jersey City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.

How life is different in Lansing vs. Jersey City

Jersey City Lansing
Population 292,449 112,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 5
Walkability score 87 46
Bike friendliness score 64 55
Crime Index 43.21 48.66
Safety Index 56.79 51.34
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Jersey City's population is about 160% greater than Lansing.
  • Jersey City's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Lansing's lower score of 5.
  • Jersey City is more walkable than Lansing with a score of 87 out of 100 vs Lansing's 46 out of 100.
  • With a score of 64 out of 100, Jersey City is more bike-friendly than Lansing, which has a score of 55 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 Lansing with a score of 43.21 compared to Lansing's 48.66. This means that Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
  • Jersey City is considered to be safer than Lansing with a safety index of 56.79 vs Lansing's 51.34.
  • Air quality in Jersey City is moderate, and in Lansing it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lansing 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a New Jersey moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New Jersey doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Jersey City. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Jersey City

Ready to relocate to "J.C."? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Jersey City.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Jersey City

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in New Jersey, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Jersey City has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Jersey City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Saint Peterโ€™s Peacocks (MAAC) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Lansing to Jersey City. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Lansing.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Lansing to Jersey City, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

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

The 679-mile journey from Lansing, MI to Jersey City, NJ typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Lansing offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Jersey City.

Helpful moving resources