Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Salem, OR
It is 2938 mi and 51h 55m from Elizabeth to Salem β a cross-country move across 11 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2938 mi Β· 51h 55m by car Β· OR β ID β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β ID β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Portland, Vancouver, Hillsboro, Gresham, Meridian |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Salem | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 103.649 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 104.689 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 105.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 110.333 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.9% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Salem at 103.649 vs Elizabeth at 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 7.9% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Salem +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 40.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Elizabeth (55.5Β°F) and Salem (54.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 176,666 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $71,900 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.64 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.9% higher in Salem than Elizabeth.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Salem MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,840 | $46,350 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,210 | $39,790 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,580 | $33,070 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 14,250 | $79,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,240 | $35,920 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Oregon
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oregon'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
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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
- Wildfire season peaks July through September east of the Cascades β register for county emergency alerts.
- 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 Oregon after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Salem, OR from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 2938 mi and the route typically takes 51h 55m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Salem?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2938 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Salem more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Salem is 7.9% lower than Elizabeth (103.649 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Salem compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $436,318 in Salem vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 18.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Salem compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,750 in the Salem MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 181,870 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 Salem?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,900 in Salem vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 12.6% 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· Salem, OR.