New Jersey to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to California

ConsNew Jersey

• Harsh winters
• High property taxes
• Limited coastline
• Heavy traffic

ProsCalifornia

• Mild climate
• Diverse landscapes
• Extensive beaches
• Public transit options

---

California

• High cost of living
• Wildfire risks
• Crowded tourist spots
• Earthquake concerns

New Jersey

• Close-knit communities
• Cultural diversity
• Delicious local diners
• Natural beauty

Pros of moving from New Jersey to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to California with diverse landscapes
• Swap the limited coastline of New Jersey for extensive beaches in California
• Get ready for public transit options in California

Cons of moving from New Jersey to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close-knit communities in New Jersey to live with a high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle with the con of wildfire risks
• Time to bid farewell to delicious local diners and get used to crowded tourist spots in California
• Swap natural beauty for earthquake concerns

New Jersey vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and California

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Revival and Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and hardwood floors, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and solar panels.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than New Jersey.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than New Jersey.
• California has more of an urban feel than New Jersey.
• California housing costs are 53% more expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to New Jersey's $512,908.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
• Rent in California is 11.21% more expensive than in New Jersey.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from New Jersey to California. California gets 38% more sunshine days than New Jersey.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New Jersey.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and snowstorms in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is the same as New Jersey.
• The average winter lows are 20 degrees warmer than they are in New Jersey.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 25 fewer inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 5% less than in New Jersey
• The COLI in California is 5% higher than what you are used to living in New Jersey
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 5.53% in NJ
• The affluence in California is variable compared to high in New Jersey
• The poverty level is high in California compared to moderate in New Jersey
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Jersey and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. California

• New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated and diverse in spiritual practices
• New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Catholic with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to California

How Much Do New Jersey to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,921 miles from New Jersey to California 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.