Moving from Baltimore, MD to Elizabeth, NJ
The 175 mi from Baltimore to Elizabeth translate to about 3h 37m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
175 mi Β· 3h 37m by car Β· MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJTP, I 95, I 895 |
| Major cities en route | Philadelphia, Newark, Jersey City, New York, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 7.7% pricier overall in Elizabeth than Baltimore on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Elizabeth typical home at $534,667 is 7.7% above Baltimore at $188,101 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 46.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 59.1Β°F vs 55.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Elizabeth sees 31.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.96 |
Income steps up 7.7%: $59,623 in Baltimore vs $63,874 in Elizabeth.
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 Maryland 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.
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.
- 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 Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 175 mi and the route typically takes 3h 37m via NJTP and I 95. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 184.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 7.7% higher than Baltimore (112.563 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 175 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 7.1% higher 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 Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Elizabeth, NJ.