Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Elizabeth, NJ
Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Elizabeth, NJ is a 1779 mi cross-country relocation — about 32h 60m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1779 mi · 32h 60m by car · CO → KS → MO → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → KS → MO → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Topeka, Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.707 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.195 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 116.207 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 11.8% higher than Colorado Springs, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 11.8% above Colorado Springs ($534,667 vs $449,452 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 46.6" |
Elizabeth runs 5.0°F warmer on the annual average (50.5°F vs 55.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
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: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 11.8% below Colorado Springs ($83,198 vs $63,874, 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 Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
- 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
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 310,390 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs — a 19.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs — a 23.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Colorado Springs and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 50.5°F in Colorado Springs (5.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 32.5 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 15.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs 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 1779 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 11.8% higher than Colorado Springs (112.563 vs 100.707, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 1779 mi and the route typically takes 32h 60m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 8 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 Colorado Springs.
City profiles: Colorado Springs, CO · Elizabeth, NJ.