Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Cleveland, OH
It is a 454 mi drive, roughly 8h 44m, between Elizabeth, NJ and Cleveland, OH. 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
| Elizabeth | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 16.6% moving from Elizabeth to Cleveland β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $534,667 in Elizabeth to $115,537 in Cleveland, a 16.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 33.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 55.5Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.18 |
Cleveland households earn about 16.6% less than Elizabeth at the median β $63,874 β $39,187 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Cleveland?
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.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 38.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 16.6% lower than Elizabeth (93.923 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Elizabeth, NJ?
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 Cleveland compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 78.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Cleveland, OH.