Moving from Boston, MA to Elizabeth, NJ
Relocating between Boston, MA and Elizabeth, NJ is a 231 mi drive — 4h 57m 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.
231 mi · 4h 57m by car · MA → CT → NY → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Providence, Worcester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.0% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boston | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 46.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.0% — $94,755 → $63,874 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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
When is the best time to move from Boston 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 231 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 4.0% higher than Boston (112.563 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Boston and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 51.9°F in Boston (3.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 49.2 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 43.6 in.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 231 mi and the route typically takes 4h 57m via I 95 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $94,755 in Boston — a 32.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $798,217 in Boston — a 33.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA · Elizabeth, NJ.