Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Ontario, CA
Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Ontario, CA is a 2748 mi cross-country relocation β about 49h of driving through 12 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.
2748 mi Β· 49h by car Β· CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Riverside, Santa Ana, Irvine, Fontana |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Ontario | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 106.442, putting Ontario roughly 5.4% below Elizabeth on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Ontario: 5.4% above Elizabeth on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Ontario -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 11.6" |
Ontario runs 11.3Β°F warmer on the annual average (55.5Β°F vs 66.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 178,347 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $82,806 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 33.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 3.39 |
Median household income in Ontario is 5.4% above Elizabeth ($63,874 vs $82,806, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ontario MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Ontario average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Ontario sees only 11.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Ontario compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Ontario MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Ontario, CA from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 2748 mi and the route typically takes 49h via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Ontario?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2748 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 Ontario?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $82,806 in Ontario vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 29.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Ontario compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $672,742 in Ontario vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 25.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Ontario more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ontario is 5.4% lower than Elizabeth (106.442 vs 112.563, 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 Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Ontario, CA.