Moving from Atlanta, GA to Elizabeth, NJ
It is 850 mi between Atlanta and Elizabeth β roughly 16h 35m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 8 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
850 mi Β· 16h 35m by car Β· GA β SC β NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β SC β NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 95, NJTP |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Charlotte, Concord, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 12.5% above Atlanta β 100.058 β 112.563 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
12.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 46.6" |
Annual temperature drops 6.8Β°F moving to Elizabeth per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 34 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.96 |
Elizabeth households earn about 12.5% less than Atlanta at the median β $81,938 β $63,874 on ACS 2023.
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 Georgia 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap 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 far is Elizabeth, NJ from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 850 mi and the route typically takes 16h 35m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 12.5% higher than Atlanta (112.563 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 38.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 850 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 22.0% 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 Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Elizabeth, NJ.