Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Phoenix, AZ
Cross-country relocations like Elizabeth, NJ β Phoenix, AZ cover 2450 mi and about 43h 56m of driving through 10 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2450 mi Β· 43h 56m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 40, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Phoenix are 8.2% below Elizabeth β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Phoenix typical home at $410,169 is 8.2% under Elizabeth at $534,667 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 8.9" |
NOAA normals show Phoenix running 17.0Β°F above Elizabeth on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.7 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.2% between Elizabeth and Phoenix (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- 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 Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 23.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2450 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 Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 20.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 8.2% lower than Elizabeth (103.316 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 2450 mi and the route typically takes 43h 56m via I 70 and I 40. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 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· Phoenix, AZ.