Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Reno, NV
Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Reno, NV is a 2686 mi cross-country relocation — about 46h 58m of driving through 10 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.
2686 mi · 46h 58m by car · NV → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NV → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, West Valley City, West Jordan, Salt Lake City, Lincoln |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Reno | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 101.014 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.274 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.271 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 123.478 | 100.0 |
Reno is 10.3% cheaper than Elizabeth overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Reno is 10.3% above Elizabeth ($567,857 vs $534,667 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Reno -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Reno |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 27°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 29.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 8.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Elizabeth (55.5°F) and Reno (54.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Reno averages 29.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, RENO WFO, NV US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Reno |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 268,959 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $78,448 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.4 |
Median household income in Reno is 10.3% above Elizabeth ($63,874 vs $78,448, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Reno MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,990 | $45,200 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 30,330 | $42,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,210 | $30,270 |
| Management Occupations | 21,700 | $97,370 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,500 | $36,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Nevada
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nevada'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
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter 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
- Winter gear first: Reno averages 29.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Reno average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Reno sees only 8.1 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Nevada after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Reno?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.5°F in Reno vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (1.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 29.7 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 8.1 in vs 46.6 in.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Reno?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,448 in Reno vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 22.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Reno compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $567,857 in Reno vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 6.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Reno more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Reno is 10.3% lower than Elizabeth (101.014 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 Reno?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2686 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Reno compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,540 in the Reno MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 254,100 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Reno, NV from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 2686 mi and the route typically takes 46h 58m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 10 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 · Reno, NV.