Pennsylvania to New Jersey Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to New Jersey

ConsPennsylvania

• No ocean coastline
• Longer NYC commute
• Harsher inland winters
• Restrictive liquor sales
• Sparse rail options
• Fewer shore boardwalks
• Limited port access
• Fewer pharma employers
• Less diner culture
• Fewer ferry routes

ProsNew Jersey

• Atlantic beaches nearby
• Easier NYC access
• Milder coastal winters
• More flexible alcohol sales
• Extensive NJ Transit
• Iconic shore boardwalks
• Major global seaport
• Big pharma corridor
• 24/7 diner scene
• Multiple commuter ferries

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New Jersey

• Higher property taxes
• Expensive housing
• Higher living costs
• Crowded population centers
• Less open space
• Fewer mountain trails
• Frequent toll highways
• Costly auto insurance
• Scarce street parking
• Higher sales tax

Pennsylvania

• Lower property taxes
• Lower housing costs
• Lower cost of living
• Lower population density
• Abundant state forests
• Mountain hiking access
• Fewer toll roads
• Cheaper car insurance
• Easier parking
• Lower sales tax

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to New Jersey

• Say goodbye to no ocean coastline and hello to Atlantic beaches nearby
• Look forward to moving away from a longer NYC commute and moving to New Jersey with easier NYC access
• Swap the harsher inland winters of Pennsylvania for milder coastal winters in New Jersey
• Get ready for more flexible alcohol sales in New Jersey

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to New Jersey

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower property taxes in Pennsylvania to live with higher property taxes in New Jersey
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower housing costs and have to settle with the con of expensive housing
• Time to bid farewell to a lower cost of living and get used to higher living costs in New Jersey
• Swap lower population density for crowded population centers

Pennsylvania vs. New Jersey: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese of New Jersey. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Soft Pretzel, New Jersey residents know they have tasty Italian Hot Dogs and Pork Roll Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Cheesesteak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Sloppy Joe of New Jersey. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Zahav, and Primanti Bros. After the boxes are unpacked in New Jersey, don't wait too long before making your way to New Jersey's acclaimed eateries like White Manna, Rat's Restaurant, and Diner Capital of the World (Statewide).

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and New Jersey

• The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Colonial architecture typical of New Jersey.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and garages, New Jersey real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to transit and upgraded kitchens.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Jersey is more walkable than Pennsylvania.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Jersey is more bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• New Jersey has more of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• New Jersey housing costs are 96% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $512,908 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Jersey have increased by 50% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in New Jersey is 65.21% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. New Jersey gets 15% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• New Jersey has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible storms, floods, and snow or ice in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential storms, floods, and hurricanes in New Jersey.
• The average summer high temperature in New Jersey is the same as in Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in New Jersey. New Jersey receives 5 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and New Jersey

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Jersey tend to earn about 34% more than in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in New Jersey is 30% higher than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• The state income tax in NJ is 1.4% to 10.75% compared to 3.07% in PA
• The affluence in New Jersey is high compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is low in New Jersey compared to moderate poverty in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Pennsylvania and low in New Jersey

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. New Jersey

• Pennsylvania tends to lean toward a purple state, closely divided in its political climate
• New Jersey, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• New Jersey's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape with strong Catholic and Jewish communities
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a significant Catholic component

How Much Do Pennsylvania to New Jersey Movers Cost?

Moving 235 miles from Pennsylvania to New Jersey will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.