Moving from New York, NY to Elizabeth, NJ
It is a short 20 mi hop from New York, NY to Elizabeth, NJ β roughly 40 min behind the wheel. Even at local distance, household costs and housing values can diverge more than the mileage suggests. Below you will find a direct comparison on BEA cost-of-living, Zillow home values, Census demographics, BLS wages, and NOAA climate.
20 mi Β· 40 min by car Β· NY β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 278, US 1, US 9 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, Jersey City, Paterson, Newark |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New York | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: New York +4.5%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New York | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 24.5" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.1" | 46.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New York | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,516,202 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $79,713 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 38 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.96 |
Households in Elizabeth earn about 0.0% less at the median β 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 New York 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to New York?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $812,861 in New York β a 34.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from New York to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 20 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 New York vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $79,713 in New York β a 19.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from New York, NY?
The driving distance is 20 mi and the route typically takes 40 min via I 278 and US 1. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to New York?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $59,390 in the New York MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New York.
City profiles: New York, NY Β· Elizabeth, NJ.