Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to New York, NY
It is a short 20 mi hop from Elizabeth, NJ to New York, NY β roughly 40 min behind the wheel. Even at local distance, household costs and housing values can diverge more than the mileage suggests. Below you will find a direct comparison on BEA cost-of-living, Zillow home values, Census demographics, BLS wages, and NOAA climate.
20 mi Β· 40 min by car Β· NY β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 278, US 1, US 9 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, Jersey City, Paterson, Newark |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | New York | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Elizabeth and New York sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $534,667 in Elizabeth to $812,861 in New York, a 0.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, New York +4.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 24.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 47.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 55.5Β°F vs 55.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: New York sees 24.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 8,516,202 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $79,713 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 23.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.57 |
New York households earn about 0.0% more than Elizabeth at the median β $63,874 β $79,713 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in New York 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 New Jersey and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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: New York averages 24.5 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 York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs New York?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,713 in New York vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 24.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in New York compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $812,861 in New York vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 52.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in New York compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the New York MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to New York?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 20 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is New York, NY from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 20 mi and the route typically takes 40 min via I 278 and US 1. The trip crosses 2 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· New York, NY.