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Michigan to New Jersey Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 836 mile interstate move from Michigan to New Jersey? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs New Jersey across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Coney Dog vs Taylor Ham/Pork Roll), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Coney Dog and Pasties, but get your taste buds ready for Taylor Ham/Pork Roll & Italian Hot Dogs
  • New Jersey housing costs are 114% more expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in New Jersey is 69.01% more expensive than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to New Jersey will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Michigan to New Jersey movers is Pro-Low Moving

Michigan to New Jersey Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to New Jersey

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited public transport
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • High obesity rates
  • Low diverse culture
ProsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Milder winters
  • Extensive transit system
  • Thriving job market
  • Access to healthier lifestyles
  • Rich cultural diversity

New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Higher population density
  • Higher living expenses
  • Lack of large lakes
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • More traffic congestion
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Tranquil nature spots
  • Lower cost of living
  • Great lakes access
  • Friendly midwestern vibe
  • Fewer traffic jams

Pros of moving from Michigan to New Jersey

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to New Jersey with an extensive transit system
  • Swap the fewer job opportunities of Michigan for a thriving job market in New Jersey
  • Get ready for access to healthier lifestyles in New Jersey

Cons of moving from Michigan to New Jersey

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from tranquil nature spots in Michigan to live with a higher population density in New Jersey
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher living expenses
  • Time to bid farewell to Great Lakes access and get used to the lack of large lakes in New Jersey
  • Swap a friendly Midwestern vibe for a fast-paced lifestyle

Michigan vs. New Jersey: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMichiganNew Jersey
Most iconic local food itemConey DogTaylor Ham/Pork Roll
Most popular meat dishPastiesItalian Hot Dogs
Most popular street food itemFaygo PopSalt Water Taffy
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubensVegan Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Bell's Eccentric Cafe
  • Carlo's Bakery
  • Rat's Restaurant
  • Dock's Oyster House
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Michigan to New Jersey, you will be trading the iconic Coney Dog of Michigan for the equally delicious Taylor Ham/Pork Roll of New Jersey. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Pasties and sumptuous Faygo Pop, New Jersey residents know they have tasty Italian Hot Dogs and Salt Water Taffy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reubens 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 Michigan eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and Bell's Eccentric Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in New Jersey, don't wait too long before making your way to New Jersey's acclaimed eateries like Carlo's Bakery, Rat's Restaurant, and Dock's Oyster House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and New Jersey

ComparisonMichiganNew Jersey
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchColonial, Victorian
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingGarages, LakesProximity to NYC, Beach Access
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of New Jersey.
  • Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference garages and lakes, New Jersey real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to NYC and beach access.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Jersey is more walkable than Michigan.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Jersey is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
  • New Jersey has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
  • New Jersey housing costs are 114% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $512,908 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Jersey have increased by 50% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
  • Rent in New Jersey is 69.01% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

ComparisonMichiganNew Jersey
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, TornadosHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)81Β°F / 58Β°F85Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 18Β°F40Β°F / 25Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.8"47.1"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.66"23.0"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to New Jersey. New Jersey gets 21% more sunshine days than Michigan.
  • New Jersey has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in New Jersey is 4 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
  • The average winter lows in New Jersey are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in New Jersey. New Jersey receives 14.3 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and New Jersey

ComparisonMichiganNew Jersey
Avg. Household Income$66,986$96,346
Cost of Living Index91.2129.7
State Income Tax4.25%1.4% - 10.75%
Avg. Property Tax1.54%2.49%
Avg. Sales Tax6.00%6.625%
Top 3 IndustriesAutomotive, Agriculture, ManufacturingFinance, Pharmaceuticals, Information Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessNotableLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Jersey tend to earn about 44% more than in Michigan
  • The COLI in New Jersey will be 42% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
  • The state income tax in NJ is 1.4% - 10.75% compared to 4.25% in MI
  • The affluence in New Jersey is high compared to moderate in Michigan
  • The poverty level is low in New Jersey compared to moderate in Michigan
  • In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Michigan and low in New Jersey

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. New Jersey

ComparisonMichiganNew Jersey
Political Make-upMixed; leans slightly DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsVaries widely across regionsUrban areas more Democratic, suburban areas more mixed
ReligionChristian (Catholic/Protestant), Muslim, othersChristian (Catholic/Protestant), Jewish, Muslim, others
  • Michigan tends to lean mixed and leans slightly Democratic in its political climate
  • New Jersey, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • New Jersey's religious environment can be described as Christian (Catholic/Protestant), Jewish, Muslim, and others
  • Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (Catholic/Protestant), Muslim, and others

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to New Jersey

ComparisonMichiganNew Jersey
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Princeton University
Rutgers University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsHarlan Elementary (Birmingham)
Musson Elementary (Rochester Hills)
Bingham Farms Elementary (Bingham Farms)
Townsend Elementary (West Orange)
Littlebrook Elementary School (Princeton)
Hawes Elementary School (Ridgewood)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBoulan Park Middle School (Troy)
West Middle School (Rochester Hills)
Mill Creek Middle School (Dexter)
Princeton Charter School (Princeton)
Thomas Grover Middle School (West Windsor)
Community Middle School (Plainsboro)
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational Academy (Bloomfield Hills)
Troy High School (Troy)
Novi High School (Novi)
High Technology High School (Lincroft)
Bergen County Academies (Hackensack)
Princeton High School (Princeton)
Top 3 private high schoolsDetroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Roeper School (Birmingham)
The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville)
The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Newark Academy (Livingston)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Roeper School (Birmingham)
The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville)
Newark Academy (Livingston)
The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Top 3 School DistrictsBloomfield Hills Schools
Rochester Community Schools
Novi Community School District
Princeton Public Schools
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District
Millburn Township Schools

How Much Do Michigan to New Jersey Movers Cost?

Moving 836 miles from Michigan to New Jersey will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,676300 ft3$5.59
1 Bedroom$2,492450 ft3$5.54
2 Bedrooms$4,116750 ft3$5.49
3 Bedrooms$5,9821100 ft3$5.44
4 Bedrooms$8,6211600 ft3$5.39
5+ Bedrooms$9,6091800 ft3$5.34

Top Michigan to New Jersey Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Michigan to New Jersey movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Michigan to New Jersey

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Cimply Labor, LLC featured image

Cimply Labor, LLC

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details