Moving from Abilene, TX to Elizabeth, NJ
Moving from Abilene, TX to Elizabeth, NJ is a 1719 mi cross-country relocation — about 31h 15m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1719 mi · 31h 15m by car · NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Newark, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 24.6% higher overall in Elizabeth vs Abilene on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Elizabeth: 24.6% above Abilene on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 46.6" |
Elizabeth is 10.4°F cooler on the annual average (65.9°F vs 55.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.96 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Elizabeth averages 31.5 in annually vs 3.7 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.4°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 1.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 65.9°F in Abilene (10.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 25.2 in.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1719 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 1719 mi and the route typically takes 31h 15m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 154.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 24.6% higher than Abilene (112.563 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Elizabeth, NJ.