Moving from Lubbock, TX to Elizabeth, NJ
Cross-country relocations like Lubbock, TX β Elizabeth, NJ cover 1804 mi and about 33h 13m of driving through 8 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.
1804 mi Β· 33h 13m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 44, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Elizabeth runs 23.3% higher than Lubbock β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (91.317 β 112.563, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 23.3% above Lubbock β $209,436 vs $534,667 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 46.6" |
Climate cools by 6.3Β°F on the annual average β 61.8Β°F β 55.5Β°F.
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.96 |
Income steps up 23.3%: $60,487 in Lubbock vs $63,874 in Elizabeth.
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 Texas 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.
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
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 150,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 23.3% higher than Lubbock (112.563 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 5.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1804 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 155.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 1804 mi and the route typically takes 33h 13m via I 70 and I 44. The trip crosses 8 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 Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Elizabeth, NJ.