Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Baltimore, MD
The 175 mi from Elizabeth to Baltimore translate to about 3h 37m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
175 mi Β· 3h 37m by car Β· MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJTP, I 95, I 895 |
| Major cities en route | Philadelphia, Newark, Jersey City, New York, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Baltimore | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 104.487 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 110.215 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 102.353 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 118.194 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Baltimore are 7.2% below Elizabeth β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Baltimore typical home at $188,101 is 7.2% under Elizabeth at $534,667 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Baltimore -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 43.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 55.5Β°F vs 59.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 577,193 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $59,623 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 18.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.3 |
Income steps down 7.2%: $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $59,623 in Baltimore.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Baltimore MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,740 | $46,770 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,980 | $42,010 |
| Management Occupations | 113,490 | $120,070 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 107,080 | $84,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 102,740 | $35,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Maryland
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Maryland'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Baltimore average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Maryland after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Baltimore?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,623 in Baltimore vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 6.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Baltimore compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $188,101 in Baltimore vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 64.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Baltimore compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 1,304,310 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Baltimore more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Baltimore is 7.2% lower than Elizabeth (104.487 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Baltimore?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 175 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Baltimore, MD from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 175 mi and the route typically takes 3h 37m via NJTP and I 95. The trip crosses 3 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 Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Baltimore, MD.