Moving from Green Bay, WI to Elizabeth, NJ
The drive from Green Bay, WI to Elizabeth, NJ runs 988 mi β about 18h 36m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
988 mi Β· 18h 36m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 43 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 20.9% pricier overall price level β 93.086 β 112.563 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Elizabeth typical home at $534,667 is 20.9% above Green Bay at $278,024 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 46.6" |
Climate warms by 10.8Β°F on the annual average β 44.7Β°F β 55.5Β°F.
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: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.96 |
Household income lines up β $62,546 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 Wisconsin 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 20.9% higher than Green Bay (112.563 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 92.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 988 mi and the route typically takes 18h 36m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 988 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 Green Bay vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 2.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Elizabeth, NJ.