Moving from Eugene, OR to Elizabeth, NJ
Cross-country relocations like Eugene, OR β Elizabeth, NJ cover 2938 mi and about 52h 44m of driving through 11 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2938 mi Β· 52h 44m by car Β· OR β ID β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β ID β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Boise City, Salt Lake City, Lincoln |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Eugene | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.568 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 102.531 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.35 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 10.8% pricier overall in Elizabeth than Eugene on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 10.8% higher in Elizabeth than Eugene as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Eugene -0.3%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Eugene | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 46.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 55.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Elizabeth sees 31.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EUGENE MAHLON SWEET AP, OR US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Eugene | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 177,520 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $63,836 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.7% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.96 |
Household income lines up β $63,836 vs $63,874 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- 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 β 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: Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Eugene to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2938 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Eugene, OR?
The driving distance is 2938 mi and the route typically takes 52h 44m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Eugene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $473,231 in Eugene β a 13.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Eugene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $46,620 in the Eugene MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 155,990 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Eugene vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $63,836 in Eugene β a 0.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Eugene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 10.8% higher than Eugene (112.563 vs 101.568, 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 Eugene.
City profiles: Eugene, OR Β· Elizabeth, NJ.