Moving from Richardson, TX to Elizabeth, NJ
A 1538 mi cross-country move between Richardson and Elizabeth is 28h 2m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 8 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1538 mi Β· 28h 2m by car Β· NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Newark, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richardson | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.2% above Richardson β 103.09 β 112.563 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Richardson -2.4%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richardson | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 46.6" |
Annual temperature drops 10.3Β°F moving to Elizabeth per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richardson | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,269 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $96,257 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 34 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.1% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.96 |
Elizabeth households earn about 9.2% less than Richardson at the median β $96,257 β $63,874 on 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 Texas 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can 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 (10.3Β°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
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Richardson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $48,440 in the Richardson MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Richardson, TX?
The driving distance is 1538 mi and the route typically takes 28h 2m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Richardson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 9.2% higher than Richardson (112.563 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Richardson vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $96,257 in Richardson β a 33.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Richardson to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1538 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Richardson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $440,400 in Richardson β a 21.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richardson.
City profiles: Richardson, TX Β· Elizabeth, NJ.