Moving from Clearwater, FL to Elizabeth, NJ
A move from Clearwater, FL to Elizabeth, NJ covers 1140 mi and around 21h 52m of driving through 9 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1140 mi Β· 21h 52m by car Β· NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 11.6% higher than Clearwater, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 11.6% above Clearwater β $339,488 vs $534,667 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 46.6" |
Elizabeth runs 18.4Β°F colder on the annual average (73.9Β°F vs 55.5Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.96 |
Median household incomes in Clearwater ($64,440) and Elizabeth ($63,874) are within a few percent (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 Florida 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (18.4Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 0.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 1140 mi and the route typically takes 21h 52m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1140 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 Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 57.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 11.6% higher than Clearwater (112.563 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Elizabeth, NJ.