Home Services About Blog Contact Call (818) 877 9129
Submit
Payment
Is it worth Moving from California to New Jersey? Pros, Cons & 2026 outlook | Abwini

Is it worth Moving from California to New Jersey? (2026 Outlook)

Considering the switch from the West Coast to the Garden State? We analyze the major pros and cons, including the tax implications, cost of living, and proximity to NYC and Philadelphia.

Get a Quote for Your Cross-Country Move to New Jersey

Quote form

Top 4 New Jersey Regions for CA Transplants

New Jersey offers diverse lifestyles, from bustling city hubs to quiet suburban enclaves near major metro areas.

1. North Jersey (NYC Proximity)

The Commuter Belt. Cities like Jersey City, Hoboken, and Newark offer easy access to Manhattan jobs, culture, and nightlife.

2. Central Jersey

Suburban Excellence. Home to Princeton, Rutgers, and major pharmaceutical companies. Excellent schools and traditional suburban living.

3. South Jersey (Philly Area)

Affordability & PA Access. Cities like Cherry Hill and Camden County offer a more moderate pace of life with easy transit to Philadelphia.

4. The Jersey Shore

Beach Life & Leisure. Offers vibrant summer communities, fishing, and resort towns like Cape May and Asbury Park.

Weighing the Move: Pros, Cons, and Taxes

PRO: Proximity to NYC & Philly

Unmatched access to two of the US’s largest job markets, cultural centers, and international airports, often with lower home prices than either city.

CON: Highest Property Taxes

New Jersey consistently holds the highest effective property tax rate in the country, which can significantly offset California’s income tax savings.

PRO: Four Distinct Seasons

The Garden State provides a true four-season experience, offering opportunities for skiing, fall foliage, and beach summers—a change from California’s climate.

CON: High Income Tax

Unlike some popular relocation states, New Jersey has a progressive state income tax, reaching high rates (around 7% to 10.75%) on higher incomes, similar to California’s structure.

Key New Jersey Cities & Towns

A look at specific locations offering excellent schools, corporate access, or coastal charm.

Princeton

Ivy League town, history, high quality of life.

Jersey City

Gold Coast hub, quick ferry/PATH to Manhattan.

Hoboken

Young, vibrant, walkability, NYC views.

Cherry Hill

Prime South Jersey suburb, strong schools.

Morristown

Historic town, excellent nightlife, commuter rail access.

Asbury Park

Revitalized shore town, music scene, beachfront.

Newark

Major transport hub (Airport/Rail), growing job center.

Westfield

Upscale suburb, charming downtown, great public schools.

Cape May

Victorian charm, quiet coastal destination.

Success Stories: CA to NJ Moves

Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Moved from Los Angeles to Jersey City. The movers were incredible and on time.”

– Alex T.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The team handled our cross-country move to Princeton flawlessly.”

– Dr. Wei K.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Moving to Cherry Hill was easy. Highly recommend Abwini for long haul moves.”

– Susan F.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Everything arrived safely on the Jersey Shore. Great experience.”

– Ben H.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Our family move to a Central NJ suburb went perfectly.”

– Michael J.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Moved from Los Angeles to Jersey City. The movers were incredible and on time.”

– Alex T.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The team handled our cross-country move to Princeton flawlessly.”

– Dr. Wei K.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Moving to Cherry Hill was easy. Highly recommend Abwini for long haul moves.”

– Susan F.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Everything arrived safely on the Jersey Shore. Great experience.”

– Ben H.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Our family move to a Central NJ suburb went perfectly.”

– Michael J.

Moving to New Jersey FAQ (2026 Edition)

What are the main tax disadvantages in New Jersey vs. California?

While NJ’s top income tax rate is competitive with CA, its primary disadvantage is the nation’s highest average property tax rate. You must factor property taxes into your total annual cost of living.

How long does a cross-country move from CA to NJ take?

A move across the country to New Jersey requires a transit time of approximately 6–10 business days, depending on the route, weather, and delivery scheduling.

Are the schools in New Jersey really better than California?

New Jersey is consistently ranked among the top states for public education, largely due to its decentralized funding structure which results in high spending per pupil. Many Californians move specifically for the highly-rated public school systems.

What is the commute to NYC like from North Jersey?

The commute is typically excellent, utilizing NJ Transit trains, PATH trains, and ferries. Commute times can range from 15 minutes (Hoboken/Jersey City) to over an hour (farther out suburbs).

Abwini Transportation Services - Footer

Get Your Free Quote

Get a fast, reliable estimate for your move today.

Quote form