Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Oklahoma City, OK
A move from Elizabeth, NJ to Oklahoma City, OK covers 1454 mi and around 26h 58m of driving through 7 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1454 mi · 26h 58m by car · OK → MO → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → MO → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 44, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Oklahoma City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Oklahoma City are 19.7% below Elizabeth — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Oklahoma City typical home at $206,713 is 19.7% under Elizabeth at $534,667 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Oklahoma City -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 27°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 6.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 36.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 55.5°F vs 60.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 6.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 688,693 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $66,702 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 21.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.5 |
Household income lines up — $63,874 vs $66,702 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oklahoma City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 91,690 | $40,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 68,430 | $26,100 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 60,820 | $36,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 59,770 | $34,460 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 43,490 | $76,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Oklahoma City average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Oklahoma City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.1°F in Oklahoma City vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (4.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 6.7 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 36.4 in vs 46.6 in.
Is Oklahoma City more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oklahoma City is 19.7% lower than Elizabeth (90.408 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Oklahoma City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1454 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Oklahoma City compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Oklahoma City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,702 in Oklahoma City vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 4.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Oklahoma City, OK from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 1454 mi and the route typically takes 26h 58m via I 70 and I 44. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Oklahoma City compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,713 in Oklahoma City vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 61.3% 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 · Oklahoma City, OK.