Moving from Chicago, IL to Elizabeth, NJ
It is 783 mi between Chicago and Elizabeth β roughly 14h 42m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 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.
783 mi Β· 14h 42m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, NJ 10 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Elizabeth runs about 8.7% more expensive overall than Chicago β RPP 103.595 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $317,283 in Chicago to $534,667 in Elizabeth, a 8.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 46.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 55.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Elizabeth sees 31.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.96 |
Households in Elizabeth earn about 8.7% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Illinois 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
- 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 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 Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 68.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 783 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 Chicago vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 15.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 8.7% higher than Chicago (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 783 mi and the route typically takes 14h 42m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Elizabeth, NJ.