Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Kent, WA
Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Kent, WA is a 2850 mi cross-country relocation β about 50h 38m of driving through 11 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2850 mi Β· 50h 38m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Elizabeth (112.563) and Kent (111.133) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Kent: 1.3% above Elizabeth on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 40.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.89 |
Median household income in Kent is 1.3% above Elizabeth ($63,874 vs $90,416, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kent MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Kent compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Kent more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kent is 1.3% lower than Elizabeth (111.133 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Kent compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 22.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Kent?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2850 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 Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 41.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Kent, WA from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 2850 mi and the route typically takes 50h 38m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 11 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 Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Kent, WA.