Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Renton, WA
Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Renton, WA is a 2851 mi cross-country relocation β about 50h 34m of driving through 11 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2851 mi Β· 50h 34m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 80 |
| 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 | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Renton and Elizabeth is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Renton is 1.3% above Elizabeth β $534,667 vs $764,375 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 34.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Elizabeth (55.5Β°F) and Renton (53.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.55 |
Median household income in Renton is 1.3% above Elizabeth ($63,874 vs $96,626, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Renton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2851 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 43.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Renton more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 1.3% lower than Elizabeth (111.133 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Renton, WA from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 2851 mi and the route typically takes 50h 34m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 51.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Renton, WA.