Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Rochester, MN
The drive from Elizabeth, NJ to Rochester, MN runs 1136 mi — about 21h 13m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1136 mi · 21h 13m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| 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 | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
Rochester is 19.3% cheaper than Elizabeth overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Rochester is 19.3% below Elizabeth — $534,667 vs $339,455 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 45°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 7°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 34.7" |
Climate cools by 10.7°F on the annual average — 55.5°F → 44.8°F.
Rochester averages 53.1 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, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.4 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 19.3% between Elizabeth and Rochester (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Rochester averages 53.1 in annually vs 31.5 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.7°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 36.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 37.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Rochester, MN from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 1136 mi and the route typically takes 21h 13m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1136 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Rochester more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 19.3% lower than Elizabeth (90.821 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Rochester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 44.8°F in Rochester vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (10.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 53.1 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 34.7 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 · Rochester, MN.