Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Elizabeth, NJ
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Elizabeth, NJ covers 78 mi and about 1h 42m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
78 mi · 1h 42m by car · PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, US 1, US 9 |
| Major cities en route | Newark, Jersey City, New York, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Philadelphia | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.554 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 114.389 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.833 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.141 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 9.8% higher than Philadelphia, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 9.8% above Philadelphia — $231,815 vs $534,667 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Philadelphia +2.0%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Philadelphia | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.1" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.7" | 46.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Philadelphia (57.7°F) and Elizabeth (55.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Philadelphia | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,582,432 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $60,698 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 9.8% above Philadelphia ($60,698 → $63,874, ACS 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 Pennsylvania 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — 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 Philadelphia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $231,815 in Philadelphia — a 130.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Philadelphia, PA?
The driving distance is 78 mi and the route typically takes 1h 42m via I 95 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 Philadelphia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,829,560 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Philadelphia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 9.8% higher than Philadelphia (112.563 vs 102.554, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Philadelphia and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 57.7°F in Philadelphia (2.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 16.1 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 50.7 in.
How does household income compare in Philadelphia vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $60,698 in Philadelphia — a 5.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 78 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Philadelphia.
City profiles: Philadelphia, PA · Elizabeth, NJ.