Moving from Provo, UT to Elizabeth, NJ
A 2185 mi cross-country move between Provo and Elizabeth is 38h 53m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2185 mi · 38h 53m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Provo | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.232 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.63 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.081 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 14.6% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.6% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Provo +2.3%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Provo | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 24°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.9" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.2" | 46.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Provo (54.6°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: PROVO BYU, UT US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Provo | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,303 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $62,800 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 23.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.1% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.35 | 2.96 |
Median household incomes in Provo ($62,800) and Elizabeth ($63,874) are within a few percent (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 Utah 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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.
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
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Provo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 14.6% higher than Provo (112.563 vs 98.232, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Provo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $484,203 in Provo — a 10.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Provo vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $62,800 in Provo — a 1.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Provo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $45,700 in the Provo MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 293,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Provo and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 54.6°F in Provo (0.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 44.9 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 17.2 in.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Provo, UT?
The driving distance is 2185 mi and the route typically takes 38h 53m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Provo 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 2185 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 Provo.
City profiles: Provo, UT · Elizabeth, NJ.