Moving from Cambridge, MA to Elizabeth, NJ
Moving from Cambridge, MA to Elizabeth, NJ covers 223 mi and about 4h 51m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
223 mi Β· 4h 51m by car Β· NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 90, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Newark, New York, Jersey City, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Elizabeth and Cambridge are close on the overall BEA RPP (108.266 vs 112.563); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Elizabeth typical home at $534,667 is 4.0% under Cambridge at $1,041,569 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 46.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.2Β°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: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 4.0% below Cambridge ($126,469 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 Massachusetts 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β 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 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 much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 48.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 223 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 4.0% higher than Cambridge (112.563 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 49.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 223 mi and the route typically takes 4h 51m via I 95 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Elizabeth, NJ.