Moving from Tempe, AZ to Elizabeth, NJ
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Elizabeth, NJ is a 2406 mi cross-country relocation — about 43h 51m of driving through 11 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.
2406 mi · 43h 51m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH → WV → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH → WV → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 40, AZ 77 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.0% pricier overall in Elizabeth than Tempe on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 9.0% higher in Elizabeth than Tempe as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 46.6" |
NOAA normals show Elizabeth running 16.3°F below Tempe on the annual mean.
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: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 9.0% below Tempe ($77,643 → $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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Elizabeth averages 31.5 in annually vs 0.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.3°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
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 9.0% higher than Tempe (112.563 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 2406 mi and the route typically takes 43h 51m via I 70 and I 40. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tempe 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 2406 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 17.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 71.8°F in Tempe (16.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 8.8 in.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 14.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Elizabeth, NJ.