Looking to relocate closer to the coast, but still want easy access to the Big Apple? Moving from New York to New Jersey could be the answer.
With around 130 miles of coastline and close proximity to NYC and Philadelphia, New Jersey has a lot to offer. While it may be one of the smallest states in the country, it is the 11th most populous state, and its population has grown by almost 6% in the last decade.
If you’re ready to move to the Garden State, this guide will cover all your relocation questions and help you through the moving process.
Let’s get started!
NY to New Jersey: Average Moving Costs
Many different factors will affect your relocation costs, including the distance you need to travel, how much you intend to bring, and more.
While New Jersey is right next to New York, the distance can vary from one city to the next. You’ll only need to cover about 70 miles when moving from NYC to Trenton, but relocating from Syracuse to Vineland is closer to 300 miles. This difference will affect your moving cost estimate.
Renting a self-service moving truck is the cheapest option. This can cost you between $200 to $1,000, plus fuel. However, you’ll need to factor in the time and effort it takes to pack, load, make the drive, and unpack everything yourself.
If this sounds like too much work, you can choose a full-service, FMCSA-registered moving company. These companies charge a flat fee and will take care of packing, loading, shipping, unloading, and even unpacking your belongings. This service comes at a higher cost of at least $1,500 and upwards of $5,000, depending on the size of your household.
In the end, you’ll have to figure out your budget, and how much of the heavy lifting you can manage on your own. You can also find a compromise by getting some help from a moving company while doing other things yourself. Finding the right balance can help to keep your moving costs low.
Lowering Costs
Whether you can afford a full-service move or need to keep to a strict budget, there are a few things you can do to lower your moving costs. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Price Matching
When you’re shopping for long-distance movers, you’ll find that many of these companies will price match with a valid quote.
You can get a free quote from several moving companies to negotiate the lowest price. Each moving quote should follow the same basic guidelines, so you’re comparing apples to apples.
You’ll need a more accurate quote than what you’d receive over the phone or from an online estimate, though. Professional moving companies require an at-home visit to take inventory, or you can provide an itemized list of your goods.
COVID-19 has made this process complicated, but many moving companies have figured out a way to adapt. Your Hometown Mover and others now offer a Live Video Estimate. You’ll be connected to a live operator who can guide you through the inventory process to get an accurate quote.
It may be worth the time and effort to gather these quotes if you can leverage them to lower your relocation costs.
Moving Labor & Packaging Services
You can still take advantage of specific moving services and keep your costs low by driving a self-service rental truck.
The logistics that go into a long-distance move significantly drive up the price. In order to help you relocate, moving companies have to provide a truck, a driver, and additional manpower to pack and unpack your goods. This commitment of resources is costly.
If you’re willing to commit the time, you can lower these costs by driving your own rental truck. But that doesn’t mean you’ll need to do everything yourself. Be sure to take advantage of the labor services that moving companies offer. Typically, you’ll be able to hire movers to help you load and unload your truck on either an hourly or daily basis.
For New Yorkers living in Brooklyn, Queens, and any of the other five boroughs where you’ll be moving your furniture and belongings through narrow hallways and down flights of stairs, this may be essential. Packing services could also be a huge help.
This could be a great compromise, but keep in mind that you’ll also need to hire local NJ movers to help you unload when you reach your new home.
Only hiring help for the heavy lifting can make it easier to stick to your budget and keep your moving costs low.
Financing Options
Rarely, you might be able to find some financing options to help you cover the cost of a full-service move. These “move now, pay later” options allow you to finance the cost of your move and pay it back with a small amount of interest over a set term.
Unfortunately, these options are scarce and the pandemic has made them even harder to find.
Transit Times
While you can easily make the drive from New York to New Jersey in a day, transit times for your relocation will take longer.
Professional movers will estimate 7 to 14 days between pickup and delivery for a long-distance move. This is due to the labor and resources involved.
While you can take a direct route from New York to your new home, long-distance movers will take your goods to a warehouse for consolidation. Your belongings will be combined with other shipments heading to the same destination.
This is much more effective (and profitable) for moving companies, but will result in longer lead times for your relocation.
What About Expedited Delivery?
If you can’t afford to wait a week or two to get your belongings, you can talk to your moving provider about expedited delivery options.
Expedited moving services typically have a turnaround time of one to three business days, which will get your goods to you much faster. Your professional movers will skip the warehouse consolidation and head straight to New Jersey from New York.
However, these services come at a premium cost and could add thousands of dollars to your relocation costs. Before you sign an agreement, ask your shipper for delivery dates for both services. Expedited delivery may not be worth the price if it only saves you a day or two.
When you need to move quickly, expedited services are essential. As a bonus, these services are a little more stress-free, since you won’t have to worry about your goods getting lost or mixed up with other shipments during the consolidation process.
Coordinating Delivery
There are plenty of obstacles when you’re moving across state lines. It’s vital to prepare for your delivery date to avoid any shipping or delivery complications on your move date.
Shipment Tracking
When you’re moving long distances, your goods will be in transit for a significant amount of time.
Local moves allow you to keep an eye on your possessions at all times. You can even follow the moving truck from your old home to your new home. Unfortunately, this isn’t possible for long-distance moves. Your goods will be out of sight for at least a few days, if not weeks.
Frustration levels can quickly rise when you don’t know the exact location of your belongings. It’s also challenging to plan ahead for your delivery if you don’t have an estimated arrival from your movers.
Your Hometown Mover offers live GPS tracking on every shipment to create a stress-free moving experience. You’ll receive automated texts updating you on your truck’s location from our world-class moving software.
Other moving companies may offer something similar. If not, ask if your provider has some other way to keep you updated on your shipment’s progress.
Urban Considerations
There are a few delivery arrangements you may need to consider if you’re moving to a big city in New Jersey.
Gated communities, condos, and apartments present unique challenges that could require some delivery coordination.
Some gated communities require you to add your moving company to an approved visitors list at the guard gate. At the very least, you’ll need to provide your movers with a gate code so they can get into the property.
Many condos and apartment complexes will require you to secure additional parking for your moving truck due to small parking lots and limited spaces. Some places may also allow you to reserve an elevator if you’re living on a higher floor.
If you can make arrangements ahead of time, the delivery process will go much smoother.
Rural Considerations
There are also plenty of small towns in New Jersey if you’re looking to avoid the big cities. While parking spaces may not be an issue, rural areas have their own challenges to consider for your move date.
Driveways that are too narrow for the truck to fit or that are hampered by dense foilage and low, overhanging branches may not provide enough clearance for your moving truck to make it to the front door. Professional movers won’t risk damaging their trucks on low-hanging branches or other obstacles.
If the truck lacks the overhead clearance to get close to your new home, your moving company may require a shuttle service to haul your goods from the truck to the door. This moving service will add to your relocation costs, and a long driveway can significantly increase your price.
Take steps to clear your driveway and provide proper clearance and access to your door to ensure a stress-free delivery.
Weather Considerations
Weather is another key factor that you’ll need to think about when you’re planning your relocation.
Severe weather may cause a delay in your delivery. While you can relocate in the rain, that comes with its own set of problems. Slips and falls are common and could lead to injuries or broken possessions. The rain could also cause water damage to your goods.
These issues are even worse during snowy weather. Now you have to worry about slipping on ice or tripping over debris in the snow. It’s also pretty miserable moving in the extreme cold and wind chill.
If you have to move during weather conditions, hiring professional movers can really make a difference.
Insurance
While often overlooked, choosing the best insurance option for your relocation is vital, especially when you’re moving long distances.
Even though moving companies will do their best to protect your belongings and create a stress-free experience, accidents can and do happen, and they come with a cost.
Understanding how moving insurance works and how professional moving companies value your items can help you choose the best coverage for your needs.
Basic Liability Insurance
Basic liability insurance is typically included in most moving companies’ standard packages.
You could be putting your shipment’s value at risk when you go with this option. These rates aren’t based on the item’s perceived value, but rather by the item’s weight.
Let’s take a quick example. If your insurance rate is $.60 per pound and a piece of jewelry or a priceless painting is lost or damaged, you’ll only receive a fraction of the item’s value.
Premium Move Coverage
If you want to make sure that you’re getting full-value coverage, you’ll need premium insurance.
To secure this coverage, you’ll need to provide the moving company with a list of the estimated value of all your belongings. Your movers will calculate a price based on the total value you’ve provided.
Premium insurance typically includes a deductible, which you’re responsible for paying before a full payout is issued. However, you’ll receive the full value (less deductibles) for your precious belongings if something goes wrong during transit.
Lightweight valuables and large antiques require special care when packaging. Your Hometown Mover offers custom crating and packing solutions to ensure your valuables arrive in one piece.
Moving Vehicles & Boats
New Jersey’s public transportation doesn’t compare to Manhattan’s, especially if you’re moving to the southern part of the state, so you’ll likely want a car to get around.
If you need to move your vehicle, you’ve got a couple of options. The easiest way to relocate your car is to drive it yourself. You can also attach it to a rig on the back of your rental truck.
However, if you’re uncomfortable driving long distances or extra-long vehicles, these may not be the best options. They’re also not going to work if you have multiple motor vehicles or a boat.
In this case, you’ll have to secure a spot with a rigger or auto-transporter. Most moving companies don’t have the specialized equipment necessary for hauling vehicles, but they can help by contracting out for you.
Keep in mind that your vehicle won’t follow the same delivery schedule as the rest of your goods since it’ll be traveling separately. This is especially true for expedited delivery. You can expect it to cost quite a bit more or take longer than the rest of your shipment.
While Your Hometown Mover does outsource this work, we can create a seamless transition by setting this up for you.
New Jersey Relocation Resources
New Jersey is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from NYC, making it a great place to find a lower cost of living close to the city.
For New Yorkers that work in the Big Apple, cities just across the Hudson River, like Jersey City, Newark, and Hoboken are a great choice.
Since this guide is focusing on long-distance moves, we’re going to cover some of the cities that are a little further away from New York.
Let’s take a look.
Cherry Hill
Cost of Living: 37.9% cheaper than NYC / 24.5% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 46
Transportation: Car, Bike, NJ Transit
Known for: Cherry Hill Mall
Cherry Hill is located just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. It’s a great town with outdoor parks, great schools, and plenty of entertainment options.
Locals love shopping at the Cherry Hill Mall, which was one of the first enclosed malls in America. It’s a great hangout for high schoolers, with plenty of stores and places to eat.
Younger kids will love visiting the Garden State Discovery Museum. This children’s museum is one of the largest in South Jersey and it’s full of interactive and exciting exhibits that are both educational and entertaining.
The Big Event is fun for kids and adults alike. In this entertainment hub, you’ll find bowling, arcade games, shuffleboard, ping pong, billiards, and much more. Plus, it has its own cafe with family-friendly foods and a full-service bar.
The International Sports Center offers a little more activity for those that love sports. This indoor sports facility offers classes, leagues, and camps for both adults and kids.
If you prefer spending your time outdoors, you can check out the Cherry Hill Hiking Trails. There are over a dozen to choose from and you can even participate in the Trails Challenge and answer questions about what you’ll find at different locations in each trail.
You can also do your shopping outdoors at the Springdale Farm Market where you’ll find farm-fresh produce and baked goods. This market is open seasonally and also offers fun attractions such as a corn maze, hayrides, and a Christmas tree yard.
Interested in history? Stop by the Barclay Farmstead. It was built in 1816 and the farmhouse and 32-acre property is a living museum that teaches visitors about the agrarian lifestyle and history of the area.
You’ll also want to check out the Esther Raab Holocaust Museum and Goodwin Education Center to learn about the Holocaust. This center focuses on teaching the lessons of the events that took place during this time to reduce violence and prejudice for future generations.
The weather in Cherry Hill is pretty similar to New York City during the spring and summer months. It’s warm and humid with average temperatures in the high 70s/low 80s. The winters are cold and snowy, but less so than what you’re used to in New York, no matter where in the state you currently live.
Recently, the city has taken measures to better prepare for some of the natural disasters that can occur here. Flooding is the major problem, but earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes have visited the city in the past. Check out the city’s disaster preparedness tips to make sure you’re ready for any eventuality.
Resources
Trenton
Cost of Living: 42.6% cheaper than NYC / 15.0% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 68
Transportation: Car, Bike, NJ Transit
Known for: Capital City, the site of George Washington’s first victory over the Redcoats
Trenton is the capital city of the state and it’s full of history. In fact, it’s the site of George Washington’s first victory over the Redcoats during the American Revolution. You can visit the Trenton Battle Monument, which commemorates this victory.
The city was named after William Trent, who was one of the first landowners. His home still stands today as the William Trent House Museum, and it’s a great place to go to learn about the history of the area.
Trenton is full of great museums like the Old Barracks Museum, the New Jersey State Museum, and the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie. Each of these destinations offers a little more insight into what the area was like during colonial times.
The New Jersey State House dates back to 1792 and is the second oldest state capitol building in the nation. This building is also unique and is one of the few that doesn’t resemble the US Capitol.
While you’re visiting the Trenton City Museum, you’ll already be at Cadwalader Park, which is the largest urban park in the city and the oldest. You can enjoy the 100 acres of green space or walk around and find all the “wayfinding” signs that cover the history of the park.
Another fun outdoor activity can be found at the Grounds for Sculpture. Here you’ll find over 270 sculptures covering 42 acres of a beautifully landscaped outdoor paradise. Moonlight tours are available, too.
If that wasn’t enough art for you, you can head over to Artworks. This visual arts center has three galleries, offers art classes, and showcases student and community pieces in their own gallery.
If you love farm-fresh foods and shopping outdoors, you can stop in at the Trenton Farmers Market. These days, you’ll find over 40 different vendors with fresh produce, meat and poultry, and specialty shops. There are also plenty of dining options if you want to stop and eat while you’re there.
For those looking for a little fun, you can take in a minor league baseball game at the Arm & Hammer Park. This stadium is home to the Trenton Thunder team, which won the inaugural Draft League Championship in 2021.
When it comes to the weather in Trenton, you’ll find it’s a little more pleasant here than most of New York. Summers are warm and humid with averages in the high 70s. Winters are cold and snowy, but you’ll see less snow than anywhere in New York and less than the nation’s average.
Severe weather is not uncommon in Trenton, with flooding and high winds a major threat. Earthquakes and tornadoes can occasionally happen here, so it pays to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Resources
Vineland
Cost of Living: 47.9% cheaper than NYC / 4.5% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 26
Transportation: Car, NJ Transit
Known for: “Egg Capital of the World,” Grapes
Vineland is located in the southern portion of New Jersey, just southwest of Philadelphia. It got its name from its original owner, Charles K. Landis, who thought the land was best suited for growing grapes.
You can learn about some of Vineland’s history at the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society Museum. It’s also the oldest local historical society in New Jersey and its exhibits focus on the people that lived in this city and surrounding South Jersey areas.
The Palace of Depression is another historical site that you can visit. This house was made of junk in 1929 and has been known as “The Strangest House in the World” and the “Home of Junk.” George Daynor built it after losing his fortune when the stock market crashed earlier that year.
If you’re looking for something fun to do, you can watch a movie at the Delsea Drive-In Theatre, which is one of the only two drive-in theaters in the state of New Jersey. You could also take in a show at the Landis Theater. This performing arts center has been around since 1937 and used to host Vaudeville shows like Abbott and Costello.
The Cumberland Players are a theater group made up completely of volunteer and amateur performers. You can see them perform plays and Broadway shows throughout the year.
Nature lovers will want to visit Parvin State Park, where you can camp, picnic, hike, or play in either of the two lakes located there. At the Indian Trail Farm you can meet the horses and go for a ride on the many trails that cover the 60-acre farm.
Vineland locals love frequenting The Spot, a vintage shop that offers a unique shopping experience. If you prefer, you can shop at The Vineland Flea Market. Here you’ll find farm-fresh produce, clothing, and more.
The Party Spot is a great place to take the whole family. It’s full of bounce houses, arcade games, and other activities that your kids will enjoy. You can even see if you have what it takes to make it through the laser maze without breaking the beams.
Like most of Southern New Jersey, Vineland experiences warm and humid summers with averages in the high 70s. Winters are cold and snowy, but still less so than anywhere in New York. Fortunately, the city isn’t prone to many natural disasters, but flooding, severe storms, and other events may occur, so it’s best to be prepared.
Resources
Toms River
Cost of Living: 38.3% cheaper than NYC / 23.7% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 29
Transportation: Bus, NJ Transit, Car
Known for: TV show Jersey Shore, 2nd Largest Halloween Parade
Toms River offers easy access to the river, bay, and ocean, making it a paradise for those who love the water. It’s become one of the most well-known towns in the state thanks to MTV’s “Jersey Shore,” which filmed there for multiple seasons.
Interestingly, one of the most popular attractions in this city is The Ocean County Library. It’s an essential part of the community and hosts all kinds of events and workshops throughout the year.
Visit Downtown Toms River for entertainment, food, riverboat dining, and more. This charming area plays host to popular events, including festivals, farmers’ markets, and more.
You can also take in a show at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts. This theater hosts performing arts shows, musicians, comedians, and more, so you’re sure to find something you’ll want to see.
Enjoy the outdoors at the Cattus Island County Park and hike along any of the trails featuring gorgeous views of the Barnegat Bay. With over 530 acres of land, there’s plenty to explore. Ortley Beach is another great choice. While it may be small, you can walk along the boardwalk, play at the beach, or visit one of the many restaurants along the shore.
Families will want to check out Insectropolis, which is fondly called the “Bugseum of New Jersey.” It’s full of thousands of exotic insects from around the world, and there are even activities, games, and a daily touch presentation.
You can also explore space at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium. You can take in any of the fun and educational laser shows, sky shows, and full-dome movies featuring the stars, planets, and skies.
Learn more about the history of the region at the Ocean County Historical Museum. Dedicated to telling the stories of Ocean County, this museum is full of artwork, books, maps, photos, and more.
If you’re looking for somewhere to shop, check out the Ocean County Mall. It’s the only enclosed mall in the county and it’s full of big chain stores and smaller shops. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes available if you’re looking for a bite to eat.
Toms River is a pleasant place to live with weather similar to that in New York City. This area sees a little more rain than NYC, making summers hot and humid. Still, you’ll get less snow here than anywhere in New York, with winter temperature averages in the 40s.
Toms River has a major flooding risk due to tidal surges and storms. In fact, Ocean County (where Toms River is located) was named as one of the most dangerous places to live for natural disasters. If you’re going to move here, it pays to make sure you’re prepared in case of severe weather.
Resources
Coronavirus Considerations
While New Jersey’s numbers stayed relatively low near the beginning of the pandemic, numbers have spiked due to recent variants.
While there are no current restrictions in the state, guidelines are ever-changing, so it’s best to check New Jersey’s COVID-19 information center for the latest news.
FAQ
What is the average cost to move to NJ from NY?
A full-service move can cost you between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the distance you have to travel and the amount of furniture you need to move.
Keep in mind that it’ll cost more to move a three-bedroom house than a studio apartment.
You could keep your costs low by driving your own rental truck, but you’re still looking at $200 to $1,000 for the truck only. You’ll still need to cover the cost of fuel and selected moving services.
How long will my move take?
Long-distance moves typically take 7 to 14 business days.
While New Jersey isn’t far from New York, the logistics of your move will take longer than you think. Double-check with your moving provider to get the most accurate estimate.
If you’re in a hurry, expedited delivery could get you completely settled in 1 to 3 business days.
How is living in NJ different from NY?
New Jersey has a high population, just like NYC, so you might feel right at home. It’s also just a state away.
If you move to the eastern coast of the state, you’ll enjoy a more rural and laidback lifestyle more like what you’d find in upstate New York.
The cost of living is lower than New York City throughout New Jersey, which is a big appeal. However, most parts of the state will have a slightly higher cost of living than places like Syracuse.
How do you get around in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s public transportation may feel a little lacking after living in New York, but you will find buses and the NJ Transit throughout the state.
Even so, having a car is pretty essential to getting around in NJ.
Is New Jersey a good place to live?
New Jersey is often ranked as one of the best states to live in — and for good reason!
Crime rates are low, especially compared to New York City, and the state has some of the best school systems in the country, including eight of the top 100 high schools in the nation. You’ll find the cost of living is lower than NYC but slightly higher than the Upstate.
With a mix of small, coastal towns and large cities, there’s something for everyone. It’s also super close to major tourist areas, such as the Big Apple, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
Moving to New Jersey from NY
If you’re moving to New Jersey from New York, you may be feeling overwhelmed, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Your Hometown Mover can help! With locations in New York and South Florida, our teams can work with you to create a long-distance moving solution that makes sense for your family.
We offer guaranteed pricing and offer expedited delivery within 1 to 3 days for many moves.
Get a free moving quote today!
Our team will do the heavy lifting so that you can spend less time worrying about your relocation and more time enjoying your new home.
