Moving from Montgomery, AL to Elizabeth, NJ
The drive from Montgomery, AL to Elizabeth, NJ runs 1008 mi β about 19h 28m 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.
1008 mi Β· 19h 28m by car Β· AL β GA β SC β NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β SC β NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 95, NJTP |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Charlotte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 25.5% pricier overall price level β 89.682 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 25.5% above Montgomery at $151,228 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 46.6" |
Climate cools by 12.4Β°F on the annual average β 67.9Β°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: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.96 |
Income steps up 25.5%: $55,687 in Montgomery 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 Alabama 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
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
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 colder climate (12.4Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Montgomery to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1008 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 Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 1008 mi and the route typically takes 19h 28m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 253.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 14.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 25.5% higher than Montgomery (112.563 vs 89.682, 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 Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Elizabeth, NJ.