Moving from Modesto, CA to Elizabeth, NJ
It is 2886 mi and 50h 45m from Modesto to Elizabeth β a cross-country move across 11 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2886 mi Β· 50h 45m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, CA 99 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Antioch, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Roseville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 8.1% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.1% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 46.6" |
Expect 7.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
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: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.1% lower in Elizabeth than Modesto.
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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- 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 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
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 18.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2886 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 Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 2886 mi and the route typically takes 50h 45m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 19.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 8.1% higher than Modesto (112.563 vs 104.108, 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 Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Elizabeth, NJ.