Moving from Rochester, MN to Elizabeth, NJ
The drive from Rochester, MN to Elizabeth, NJ runs 1136 mi — about 21h 13m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1136 mi · 21h 13m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| 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
| Rochester | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 23.9% pricier overall price level — 90.821 → 112.563 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Elizabeth typical home at $534,667 is 23.9% above Rochester at $339,455 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 46.6" |
Climate warms by 10.7°F on the annual average — 44.8°F → 55.5°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Elizabeth sees 31.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 23.9% between Rochester and Elizabeth (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 Minnesota 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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.7°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 23.9% higher than Rochester (112.563 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 27.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 44.8°F in Rochester (10.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 34.7 in.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 1136 mi and the route typically takes 21h 13m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 1136 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 57.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Elizabeth, NJ.