Moving to New Jersey: costs, checklist and what to know
New Jersey at a glance for movers: Northeast region · largest city Newark · capital Trenton · Eastern time.
Quick facts for moving to New Jersey
- Income tax: New Jersey taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the New Jersey Division of Taxation for the current year.
- Sales tax: New Jersey's statewide sales tax rate is 6.625%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a New Jersey driver's license within 60 days, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Newark (about 840 road miles) runs roughly $1,260–$2,410 with a rental truck or $2,740–$6,320 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to New Jersey
- New Jersey is the only state where you generally can't pump your own gas; an attendant does it for you.
- Property taxes in New Jersey are among the highest in the country, which matters as much as the price when you buy.
- The Motor Vehicle Commission handles licenses and registration.
Main cities and metros include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Trenton, Hoboken. New Jersey borders New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
How much does it cost to move to New Jersey?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Newark, the largest city in New Jersey. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 2,920 | $4,150–$7,830 | $6,070–$13,810 |
| Chicago | 840 | $1,260–$2,410 | $2,740–$6,320 |
| Dallas | 1,640 | $2,380–$4,520 | $4,020–$9,200 |
| Atlanta | 890 | $1,310–$2,500 | $2,820–$6,500 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of New Jersey moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to New Jersey
Spring and fall. Shore towns are busy in summer, and nor'easters can hit in winter.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
New Jersey new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to New Jersey: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to New Jersey?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 840 miles from Chicago to Newark costs roughly $1,260–$2,410 if you rent a truck or $2,740–$6,320 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does New Jersey have a state income tax?
Yes. New Jersey taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the New Jersey Division of Taxation for the current year.
What is the sales tax in New Jersey?
New Jersey's statewide sales tax rate is 6.625%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a New Jersey driver's license after moving?
60 days, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to New Jersey?
Spring and fall. Shore towns are busy in summer, and nor'easters can hit in winter.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the New Jersey Division of Taxation and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.