[TrudyM]

Cost of Living Comparison
I have used this site before when we have been comparing job offers from different cities. I remove the housing number and then add back in a specific housing number that reflects what we currently own and by searching the mls what a similar or acceptable home would cost in the new location and add in the real taxes and insurance.
Figure around 2000 to move if you do it yourself about 5000 or more if you hire it done (pods I haven't used but would fall somewhere in the middle I would think) My moves have been twice this as I have moved with a lot of junk by coastal but I pulled averages off the net. Don't forget to add closing costs and start up fees for utilities etc.

I don't know where in the NJ you are but I used Paterson as it was a NJ place that came to mind. It gave the following but you can play on the site for more details.
Cost of living Indexes 100 being national average.
Cost of living........Paterson NJ........The Villages
Overall...................123%...............101%. ........ So 18% cheaper
Food.....................120%............... 105%
Utilities.................134%................. 95%..........So 28%cheaper
Transportation.......110%................ 101%
Health..................114%...............100%... .My research on this Vill at 113%
Miscellaneous.........121%.................97% Also I think vill is low
Housing.................129%................101%

One thought my son had was if we ran short and had bought a 3 bedroom we could store our personal stuff locked in the third bedroom come stay with him for Jan Feb March and rent it out as a two bedroom. Then have about 7000 after taxes from the rent to help with the rest of the year. We use a credit card that gives airline miles and we put all bills on it. He has the same so between the two airfare would be covered.

If there is a penny to pinch I will find a way to make it cry for help.

Hope this helps,