Moving from Boise City, ID to Elizabeth, NJ
A 2463 mi cross-country move between Boise City and Elizabeth is 43h 11m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 10 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2463 mi · 43h 11m by car · ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Salt Lake City, Lincoln, Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boise City | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Elizabeth runs about 14.4% more expensive overall than Boise City — RPP 98.391 → 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Boise City —, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boise City | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 46.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 53.2°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: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boise City | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,701 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $81,308 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.96 |
Elizabeth households earn about 14.4% less than Boise City at the median — $81,308 → $63,874 on 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 Idaho 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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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
What is the climate difference between Boise City and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 53.2°F in Boise City (2.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 11.5 in.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Boise City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $45,320 in the Boise City MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Boise City 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 2463 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Boise City, ID?
The driving distance is 2463 mi and the route typically takes 43h 11m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Boise City vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $81,308 in Boise City — a 21.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Boise City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 14.4% higher than Boise City (112.563 vs 98.391, 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 Boise City.
City profiles: Boise City, ID · Elizabeth, NJ.