Moving from Allen, TX to Elizabeth, NJ

Moving from Allen, TX to Elizabeth, NJ is a 1529 mi cross-country relocation β€” about 27h 57m 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.

1529 mi Β· 27h 57m by car Β· NJ β†’ PA β†’ MD β†’ WV β†’ VA β†’ TN β†’ AR β†’ TX

COL +9.2% Home values +8.3% Ξ” -9.5Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1529 mi
Drive time
27h 57m
States
8
Fuel (25 mpg)
61 gal
Route throughNJ β†’ PA β†’ MD β†’ WV β†’ VA β†’ TN β†’ AR β†’ TX
Primary highwaysI 40, I 81, I 30
Major cities en routeNew York, Jersey City, Newark, Yonkers, Paterson

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

AllenElizabethU.S. avg
All items (RPP)103.09112.563100.0
Rents90.711127.018100.0
Goods102.838110.261100.0
Services117.874148.616100.0

BEA RPP moves from 103.09 in Allen to 112.563 in Elizabeth, a 9.2% bump on the overall price level.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Allen β€” typical home
$493,532
Elizabeth β€” typical home
$534,667
Allen β€” typical rent
$1,630/mo
Elizabeth β€” typical rent
$2,264/mo

Moderate housing step-up: Elizabeth at $534,667 is 9.2% above Allen at $493,532.

YoY change: Allen -6.4%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsAllenElizabeth
Annual avg temperature65Β°F56Β°F
January avg low34Β°F26Β°F
July avg high95Β°F87Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”31.5"
Annual precipitation38.3"46.6"

Elizabeth is 9.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (65.0Β°F vs 55.5Β°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: MCKINNEY MUNI AP, TX US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023AllenElizabeth
Population107,684135,887
Median household income$129,130$63,874
Median age38.535.8
Bachelor's degree or higher33.6%9.8%
Avg household size2.972.96

Median household income in Elizabeth is 9.2% below Allen ($129,130 vs $63,874, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Allen MSA β€” median wage
$48,440
Elizabeth MSA β€” median wage
$59,390
Allen MSA β€” employment
3,966,500
Elizabeth MSA β€” employment
9,495,240

Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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

Texas income tax
no state income tax
New Jersey income tax
10.75% top marginal

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 β€” 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

  • Winter gear first: Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β€” pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
  • 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 Allen?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $48,440 in the Allen MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Allen, TX?

The driving distance is 1529 mi and the route typically takes 27h 57m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

When is the best time to move from Allen 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 1529 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Allen?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $493,532 in Allen β€” a 8.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Is Elizabeth more expensive than Allen?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 9.2% higher than Allen (112.563 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does household income compare in Allen vs Elizabeth?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $129,130 in Allen β€” a 50.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allen.

City profiles: Allen, TX Β· Elizabeth, NJ.

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