Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Provo, UT
A 2185 mi cross-country move between Elizabeth and Provo is 38h 53m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2185 mi · 38h 53m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 90 |
| 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 | Provo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 98.232 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 78.63 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 104.081 | 100.0 |
Expect about 12.7% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Provo at 98.232 vs Elizabeth at 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 12.7% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Provo +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 24°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 44.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 17.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Elizabeth (55.5°F) and Provo (54.6°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Provo averages 44.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, PROVO BYU, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 114,303 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $62,800 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 23.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 31.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 3.35 |
Median household incomes in Elizabeth ($63,874) and Provo ($62,800) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Provo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,750 | $38,840 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 24,860 | $36,930 |
| Management Occupations | 24,030 | $105,290 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,860 | $29,550 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,880 | $63,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Utah
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Utah'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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Provo averages 44.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Provo average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Utah after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Provo compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $484,203 in Provo vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 9.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Provo compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,700 in the Provo MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 293,170 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Provo, UT from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 2185 mi and the route typically takes 38h 53m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Provo more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Provo is 12.7% lower than Elizabeth (98.232 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 Provo?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2185 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Provo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,800 in Provo vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 1.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Provo?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.6°F in Provo vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (0.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 44.9 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 17.2 in vs 46.6 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · Provo, UT.