California to New Jersey Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to New Jersey

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Wildfires
• Traffic congestion
• Droughts

ProsNew Jersey

• Affordable housing options
• Lower natural disaster risk
• Efficient public transportation
• Abundant water supply

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New Jersey

• Cold winters
• Fewer natural scenic spots
• Different cultural atmosphere
• Smaller urban areas

California

• Beautiful weather
• Diverse landscapes
• Vibrant culture
• Iconic cities

Pros of moving from California to New Jersey

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing options
• Look forward to moving away from wildfires and moving to New Jersey with lower natural disaster risk
• Swap the traffic congestion of California for efficient public transportation in New Jersey
• Get ready for an abundant water supply in New Jersey

Cons of moving from California to New Jersey

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful weather in California to live with cold winters in New Jersey
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse landscapes and have to settle for the con of fewer natural scenic spots
• Time to bid farewell to vibrant culture and get used to a different cultural atmosphere in New Jersey
• Swap iconic cities for smaller urban areas

California vs. New Jersey: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to New Jersey, you will be trading the iconic Avocado Toast of California for the equally delicious Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich of New Jersey. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Fish Tacos, New Jersey residents know they have tasty Pork Roll and Italian Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Acai Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pizza of New Jersey. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in New Jersey, don't wait too long before making your way to New Jersey's acclaimed eateries like Don's Deli, Lucy's Kitchen, and Carlo's Bakery.

When comparing lifestyles, New Jersey shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in New Jersey compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in New Jersey.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and New Jersey

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of New Jersey.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features and outdoor living spaces, New Jersey real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transit and historic details.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Jersey is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Jersey is more bike-friendly than California.
• New Jersey has less of an urban feel than California.
• New Jersey housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $512,908 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Jersey have increased by 50% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in New Jersey is 10.08% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and New Jersey

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to New Jersey. New Jersey gets 27% fewer sunshine days than California.
• New Jersey has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey.
• The average summer high temperature in New Jersey is the same as in California.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in New Jersey. New Jersey receives 25 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and New Jersey

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Jersey tend to earn about 5% more than those in California
• The COLI in New Jersey is 5% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in NJ is 10.75% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in New Jersey is comfortable compared to prosperous in California
• The poverty level is lower in New Jersey compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and lower in New Jersey

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. New Jersey

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• New Jersey, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
• New Jersey's religious environment can be described as Christianity, non-religious, and other faiths
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity, non-religious, and other faiths

How Much Do California to New Jersey Movers Cost?

Moving 2,922 miles from California to New Jersey will typically cost between $4,500 and $10,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.