Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Lee's Summit, MO
A move from Elizabeth, NJ to Lee's Summit, MO covers 1192 mi and around 22h 33m of driving through 7 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.
1192 mi Β· 22h 33m by car Β· NJ β PA β WV β OH β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β WV β OH β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 276, PATP |
| 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
| Elizabeth | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Lee's Summit is 17.8% cheaper than Elizabeth overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lee's Summit is 17.8% below Elizabeth β $534,667 vs $390,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 38.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Elizabeth (55.5Β°F) and Lee's Summit (55.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Lee's Summit is 17.8% above Elizabeth ($63,874 vs $104,989, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 1192 mi and the route typically takes 22h 33m via I 70 and I 276. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 17.8% lower than Elizabeth (92.543 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 Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1192 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 Elizabeth vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 64.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 27.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Lee's Summit, MO.