Moving from Durham, NC to Elizabeth, NJ
Moving from Durham, NC to Elizabeth, NJ covers 471 mi and about 9h 23m by car through 6 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
471 mi Β· 9h 23m by car Β· NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 95, NJTP |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Richmond, Alexandria, Baltimore |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.572 in Durham to 112.563 in Elizabeth, a 15.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Elizabeth: 15.4% above Durham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 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 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 15.4% below Durham ($79,234 β $63,874, 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 North Carolina 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 does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 471 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 15.4% higher than Durham (112.563 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Durham vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $79,234 in Durham β a 19.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 471 mi and the route typically takes 9h 23m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $396,395 in Durham β a 34.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Elizabeth, NJ.