Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Tempe, AZ
Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Tempe, AZ is a 2406 mi cross-country relocation — about 43h 51m 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.
2406 mi · 43h 51m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH → WV → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH → WV → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 40, AZ 77 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Tempe | 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 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 103.316, putting Tempe roughly 8.2% below Elizabeth on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Tempe ZHVI at $468,281 is 8.2% below Elizabeth at $534,667.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 8.8" |
Major climate step-up: 16.3°F warmer annual average in Tempe vs Elizabeth.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Tempe is 8.2% above Elizabeth ($63,874 vs $77,643, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe 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 — 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
- 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.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements 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 Tempe average 106°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 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 (16.3°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 far is Tempe, AZ from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 2406 mi and the route typically takes 43h 51m via I 70 and I 40. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (16.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 46.6 in.
Is Tempe more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe 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 does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 21.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2406 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 12.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · Tempe, AZ.