Moving from Allentown, PA to Elizabeth, NJ
Relocating between Allentown, PA and Elizabeth, NJ is a 81 mi drive — 1h 44m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
81 mi · 1h 44m by car · NJ → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 78, PA 145, CR 623 |
| 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
| Allentown | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 12.6% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 12.6% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $309,699 to $534,667 moving to Elizabeth.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 46.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Allentown (53.1°F) and Elizabeth (55.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 12.6% higher in Elizabeth than Allentown.
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 Pennsylvania 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.
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 — 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
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 53.1°F in Allentown (2.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 47.4 in.
When is the best time to move from Allentown 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 81 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 72.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 12.6% higher than Allentown (112.563 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 81 mi and the route typically takes 1h 44m via I 78 and PA 145. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 19.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Elizabeth, NJ.