Moving from Cleveland, OH to Elizabeth, NJ
It is a 454 mi drive, roughly 8h 44m, between Cleveland, OH and Elizabeth, NJ. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
454 mi Β· 8h 44m by car Β· OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 480, I 271 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Paterson, Newark, Yonkers, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 19.8% above Cleveland β 93.923 β 112.563 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
19.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 46.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.96 |
Elizabeth households earn about 19.8% more than Cleveland at the median β $39,187 β $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 Ohio 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
- 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 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 Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 454 mi and the route typically takes 8h 44m via I 80 and I 480. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 362.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 454 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 19.8% higher than Cleveland (112.563 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 63.0% 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 Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Elizabeth, NJ.