Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Portland, OR
A 2888 mi cross-country move between Elizabeth and Portland is 50h 54m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 12 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2888 mi · 50h 54m by car · OR → WA → ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OR → WA → ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Vancouver, Hillsboro, Gresham, Boise City, Meridian |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Portland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.3% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Portland at 105.421 vs Elizabeth at 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $534,667 vs $534,638.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Portland -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 44.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Elizabeth (55.5°F) and Portland (54.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Portland averages 3.6 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, PORTLAND KGW-TV, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 642,715 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $88,792 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 32.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.24 |
Portland households earn about 6.3% more than Elizabeth at the median — $63,874 → $88,792 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Portland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 141,870 | $47,870 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 104,880 | $44,260 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 99,580 | $34,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 96,250 | $41,260 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 92,520 | $79,400 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Oregon
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oregon'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
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March — check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 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
- Wildfire season peaks July through September east of the Cascades — register for county emergency alerts.
- 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 Oregon after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Portland compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Portland MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Portland?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Portland vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (0.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.6 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 44.1 in vs 46.6 in.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Portland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,792 in Portland vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 39.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Portland more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Portland is 6.3% lower than Elizabeth (105.421 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Portland, OR from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 2888 mi and the route typically takes 50h 54m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Portland?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2888 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · Portland, OR.