Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Richmond, VA
Relocating between Elizabeth, NJ and Richmond, VA is a 320 mi drive — 6h 35m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
320 mi · 6h 35m by car · VA → DC → MD → DE → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → DC → MD → DE → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 895 |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Newark, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Expect about 13.1% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Richmond at 97.858 vs Elizabeth at 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.1% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $534,667 to $369,646 moving to Richmond.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 45.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Elizabeth (55.5°F) and Richmond (58.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Richmond averages 8.8 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, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.23 |
Median household incomes in Elizabeth ($63,874) and Richmond ($62,671) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 1.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 30.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 320 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (3.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 in vs 46.6 in.
How far is Richmond, VA from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 320 mi and the route typically takes 6h 35m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Richmond more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 13.1% lower than Elizabeth (97.858 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 · Richmond, VA.