Moving from Syracuse, NY to Elizabeth, NJ
Moving from Syracuse, NY to Elizabeth, NJ covers 240 mi and about 4h 57m by car through 3 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.
240 mi · 4h 57m by car · NY → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 80, I 380 |
| Major cities en route | Paterson, Newark, Yonkers, Jersey City, New York |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 17.6% higher than Syracuse, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 17.6% above Syracuse — $210,251 vs $534,667 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 46.6" |
Elizabeth runs 7.0°F warmer on the annual average (48.5°F vs 55.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
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: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 17.6% above Syracuse ($45,845 vs $63,874, ACS 5-year 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 New York 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Syracuse 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 240 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 39.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 240 mi and the route typically takes 4h 57m via I 81 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 294,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (7.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 39.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 154.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 17.6% higher than Syracuse (112.563 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Elizabeth, NJ.