Compare states / West Virginia / to New Jersey
WV → NJ
Moving from West Virginia to New Jersey
Taxes, housing, and other important data at a glance
West Virginia vs New Jersey using the same fields as the all-states table. Green and red mark the destination figure when it differs.
| West Virginia | New Jersey | |
|---|---|---|
| Top state income-tax rate | 4.82% | 10.75% |
| Average sales tax (state + local) | 6.59% | 6.60% |
| Average property tax (real estate) | 0.57% | 2.23% |
| Personal property tax (vehicles) | Yes — 1.66% effective | No |
| Median home value | $177,887 | $576,610 |
| Tax when you title a car | 6.00% | 6.62% |
| State parks | 39 | 40 |
| National parks | 1 | 0 |
| Population density | 73.0/sq mi | 1,304.0/sq mi |
| Violent crime per 100,000 | 248.8 | 217.7 |
| Demographics | 90.9% White (non-Hispanic) 1.9% Hispanic 3.7% Black 0.9% Asian | 52.0% White (non-Hispanic) 21.5% Hispanic 15.0% Black 10.0% Asian |
| Days to get a license | 30 | 30 |
| Days to title a car | 30 | 60 |
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from West Virginia to New Jersey?
West Virginia: Top listed rate 4.82%. New Jersey: Top listed rate 10.75%. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $4,946 in West Virginia vs $5,518 in New Jersey. If you earned in both states this year, see WV tax agency and NJ tax agency.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from West Virginia to New Jersey?
This uses 2026 single-filer brackets (top listed 4.82% vs 10.75%), minus a $4,300 exemption per dependent. It is not your actual tax bill.
Vehicle title, registration, and tax in New Jersey
New New Jersey residents typically have 60 days to title and register. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally. The title-tax rate used here is 6.62%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,971.50 (tax $1,855.00 + title $60.00 + registration $46.50 + plate $10.00). County and weight fees are omitted on purpose.
Estimate what you’ll pay to title the car in New Jersey
Title fee + plate + base registration + 6.62% tax. County extras are not included.
Driver’s license in New Jersey
After you become a New Jersey resident, you typically have 30 days to get a New Jersey driver license. Bring your West Virginia license, Social Security number, and proof you live in New Jersey. Agencies often ask for two proofs; the exact list is on the official New Jersey DMV. West Virginia plates are not a substitute for New Jersey registration once the title clock runs out.
Checklist for new New Jersey residents from West Virginia
- Get a NJ driver license within 30 days. Bring your WV license, Social Security number, and proof you live in New Jersey (agencies often ask for two proofs; use the official New Jersey DMV list).
- Title and register the car within 60 days. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally.
- Make sure car insurance meets 25/50/25.
- Register to vote. Typical close: 15 days before an election. New Jersey elections site.
- If you earned money in both states this year, you may need to file in both. WV tax agency · NJ tax agency.
- Both West Virginia and New Jersey are in the nurse compact — a multistate license can follow you. Confirm with the board of nursing if you are changing primary residence.
Biggest differences in moving from West Virginia to New Jersey
- Top listed income-tax rate: 4.82% in West Virginia vs 10.75% in New Jersey (lower in West Virginia).
- Median home value in the file: $177,887 in West Virginia vs $576,610 in New Jersey.
- Effective real-estate property tax: 0.57% in West Virginia vs 2.23% in New Jersey.
- Title the car in New Jersey within 60 days. West Virginia plates are not a substitute once that clock runs.
- West Virginia lists a vehicle personal-property tax; New Jersey does not in this file.
Common questions
How does sales tax in New Jersey compare to West Virginia?
Average combined sales tax (state + local) is 6.59% in West Virginia vs 6.60% in New Jersey. City and county add-ons vary; this is a statewide average.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from West Virginia to New Jersey?
The top listed rate goes up: 4.82% in West Virginia vs 10.75% in New Jersey. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $4,946 in West Virginia vs $5,518 in New Jersey. Actual bills depend on income, filing status, local tax, credits, and residency timing. This uses 2026 single-filer brackets after a $4,300 exemption per dependent.
How many state and national parks are in West Virginia vs New Jersey?
West Virginia has 39 state parks and 1 national parks in this file. New Jersey has 40 state parks and 0 national parks. State-park counts follow each agency’s own list; national parks are NPS units titled National Park.
How does population density in New Jersey compare to West Virginia?
Population density is 73.0 people per square mile in West Virginia vs 1,304.0 in New Jersey.
How do West Virginia and New Jersey compare on demographics?
West Virginia: 90.9% White (non-Hispanic), 1.9% Hispanic, 3.7% Black, 0.9% Asian. New Jersey: 52.0% White (non-Hispanic), 21.5% Hispanic, 15.0% Black, 10.0% Asian. These are statewide estimates; cities and counties differ.
Related moves
Also see moving to New Jersey and the reverse route, New Jersey → West Virginia.
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