Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Madison, WI
It is 933 mi between Elizabeth and Madison β roughly 17h 43m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
933 mi Β· 17h 43m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 13.6% moving from Elizabeth to Madison 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 $423,767 in Madison, a 13.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 40.2" |
Annual temperature drops 8.3Β°F moving to Madison per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.19 |
Madison households earn about 13.6% more than Elizabeth at the median β $63,874 β $76,983 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Madison MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 47,900 | $46,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,050 | $37,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 32,230 | $30,120 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 31,450 | $76,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,080 | $40,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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
Is Madison more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 13.6% lower than Elizabeth (97.287 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Madison, WI from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 933 mi and the route typically takes 17h 43m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 20.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 20.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 933 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Madison, WI.