New Jersey to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Michigan

ConsNew Jersey

• High property taxes
• Dense population
• Expensive housing
• Heavy traffic
• Costly living expenses

ProsMichigan

• Lower property taxes
• More open spaces
• Affordable real estate
• Lighter traffic
• Lower cost of living

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Michigan

• Far from major cities
• Less cultural diversity
• Limited culinary variety
• Fewer beaches
• Smaller arts community

New Jersey

• Proximity to NYC
• Rich cultural diversity
• Varied restaurant scene
• Access to beaches
• Thriving arts scene

Pros of moving from New Jersey to Michigan

• Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to lower property taxes
• Look forward to moving away from a dense population and moving to Michigan with more open spaces
• Swap the expensive housing of New Jersey for affordable real estate in Michigan
• Get ready for lighter traffic in Michigan

Cons of moving from New Jersey to Michigan

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from proximity to NYC in New Jersey to live far from major cities in Michigan
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of less cultural diversity
• Time to bid farewell to a varied restaurant scene and get used to limited culinary variety in Michigan
• Swap access to beaches for fewer beaches

New Jersey vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New Jersey to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) of New Jersey for the equally delicious Cherry Pie of Michigan. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dog and sumptuous Salt Water Taffy, Michigan residents know they have tasty Coney Island Hot Dog and Pasties to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Panini they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Steak of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Jersey eateries like Carlo's Bakery, White House Sub Shop, and Don's Original. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Zingerman's Deli, Slows Bar BQ, and Bavarian Inn Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Michigan

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Michigan.
• Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and upgraded kitchens, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakefront properties and spacious yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Michigan is less walkable than New Jersey.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Michigan is more bike-friendly than New Jersey.
• Michigan has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
• Michigan housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
• Rent in Michigan is 40.83% more affordable than in New Jersey.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Jersey to Michigan. Michigan gets 17% fewer sunshine days than New Jersey.
• Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Jersey.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 4 degrees colder than in New Jersey.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in New Jersey.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 13 fewer inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Michigan

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 30% less than in New Jersey
• The COLI in Michigan will be 30% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 10.75% in NJ
• The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
• The poverty level is moderate in Michigan compared to low in New Jersey
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Jersey and low in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Michigan

• New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Michigan's religious environment can be described as Christianity (Protestant) and Catholicism
• New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholicism and Judaism

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Michigan

How Much Do New Jersey to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 835 miles from New Jersey to Michigan 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.