Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from California to New Jersey

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs. vs. Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.

NJ state flag
Moving to

New Jersey

Capital: Trenton

Median household income $97,126 · winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days

Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

New Jersey has an overall price level 108.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
New Jersey
108.8
New Jersey has 1.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
New Jersey
134.3
New Jersey has 13% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
California
102.7
New Jersey
102.2
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
New Jersey
101.3
Electricity rate
California
33.4 ¢/kWh
New Jersey
23.5 ¢/kWh
New Jersey has 30% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
New Jersey
101.8
Median home value
California
$759,500
New Jersey
$496,000
New Jersey is 35% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$1,835/mo
New Jersey
$1,554/mo
New Jersey is 15% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
New Jersey
86°F
New Jersey is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
New Jersey
24°F
New Jersey is 47% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
New Jersey
53°F
New Jersey is 11% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
New Jersey
207
New Jersey has 20% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
New Jersey
48 in
New Jersey is 86% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
California
68
New Jersey
44
New Jersey has 35% lower AQI
Snow / year
California
16 in
New Jersey
24 in
New Jersey is 50% more annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaNew Jersey report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey than California?

New Jersey's overall price level is roughly 110.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. New Jersey tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in New Jersey?

Most New Jersey residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

Related comparisons