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Moving from New Jersey to Michigan

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access. vs. Great Lakes, auto industry, rebounding Detroit.

NJ state flag
Living now

New Jersey

Capital: Trenton

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

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

MI state flag
Moving to

Michigan

Capital: Lansing

Median household income $68,995 · winter low 17°F · 165 sunny days

Great Lakes, auto industry, rebounding Detroit.

Michigan has an overall price level 96.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Jersey
108.8
Michigan
96.2
Michigan has 12% lower overall price level
Housing index
New Jersey
134.3
Michigan
82.3
Michigan has 39% lower housing costs
Groceries index
New Jersey
107.1
Michigan
96.0
Michigan has 10% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Jersey
101.3
Michigan
99.4
Michigan has 1.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
New Jersey
23.5 ¢/kWh
Michigan
21.4 ¢/kWh
Michigan has 9.1% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Jersey
101.8
Michigan
99.2
Michigan has 2.5% lower transportation
Median home value
New Jersey
$496,000
Michigan
$254,200
Michigan is 49% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Jersey
$1,800/mo
Michigan
$1,168/mo
Michigan is 35% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 17°F · 165 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Jersey
86°F
Michigan
82°F
Michigan is 4.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Jersey
24°F
Michigan
17°F
Michigan is 29% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Jersey
53°F
Michigan
46°F
Michigan is 13% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Jersey
207
Michigan
165
Michigan has 20% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Jersey
48 in
Michigan
33 in
Michigan is 30% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Jersey
50
Michigan
72
Michigan has 44% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
New Jersey
1
Michigan
0
Michigan has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
New Jersey
24 in
Michigan
77 in
Michigan is 221% more annual snowfall

Get the full New JerseyMichigan report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Michigan than New Jersey?

Michigan's overall price level is roughly 92.2 (US avg = 100), vs about 110.5 for New Jersey, 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?

New Jersey tops out at 10.75% income tax. Michigan tops out at 4.25%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Michigan?

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

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