Moving from Yonkers, NY to Elizabeth, NJ
The drive from Yonkers to Elizabeth covers 34 mi in about 52 min. Local moves still matter — school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
34 mi · 52 min by car · NY → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, US 1 |
| Major cities en route | Stamford, Paterson, New York, Jersey City, Newark |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Yonkers | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Elizabeth and Yonkers are close on the overall BEA RPP (112.563 vs 112.563); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Elizabeth typical home at $534,667 is 0.0% under Yonkers at $680,218 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Yonkers +5.9%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Yonkers | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.7" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.2" | 46.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 53.4°F vs 55.5°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
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: DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Yonkers | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,529 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $81,816 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 39 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.0% between Yonkers 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 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.
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
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Yonkers, NY?
The driving distance is 34 mi and the route typically takes 52 min via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Yonkers?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Yonkers 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 34 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Yonkers and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 53.4°F in Yonkers (2.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 32.7 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 51.2 in.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Yonkers?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $680,218 in Yonkers — a 21.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Yonkers vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $81,816 in Yonkers — a 21.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Yonkers.
City profiles: Yonkers, NY · Elizabeth, NJ.