Moving from Reno, NV to Elizabeth, NJ
Moving from Reno, NV to Elizabeth, NJ is a 2686 mi cross-country relocation — about 46h 58m of driving through 10 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2686 mi · 46h 58m by car · NV → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NV → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, West Valley City, West Jordan, Salt Lake City, Lincoln |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Reno | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 11.4% higher than Reno, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 11.4% below Reno ($534,667 vs $567,857 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Reno -0.4%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Reno | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 29.7" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.1" | 46.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Reno (54.5°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: RENO WFO, NV US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Reno | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,959 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $78,448 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 11.4% below Reno ($78,448 → $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 Nevada 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
- 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 — 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 — 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 Reno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 11.4% higher than Reno (112.563 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Reno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $47,540 in the Reno MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Reno vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $78,448 in Reno — a 18.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Reno and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 54.5°F in Reno (1.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 29.7 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 8.1 in.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Reno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $567,857 in Reno — a 5.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Reno 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 2686 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Reno, NV?
The driving distance is 2686 mi and the route typically takes 46h 58m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Reno.
City profiles: Reno, NV · Elizabeth, NJ.