Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Waco, TX
Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Waco, TX is a 1636 mi cross-country relocation — about 29h 47m of driving through 7 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.
1636 mi · 29h 47m by car · TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Dallas, Irving, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Waco are 17.8% below Elizabeth — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Waco typical home at $194,245 is 17.8% under Elizabeth at $534,667 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 37.5" |
Waco runs 11.1°F warmer on the annual average (55.5°F vs 66.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Waco sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Waco is 17.8% below Elizabeth ($63,874 → $51,468, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements 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 Waco average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.1°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 19.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Waco, TX from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 1636 mi and the route typically takes 29h 47m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1636 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Waco more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 17.8% lower than Elizabeth (92.55 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 63.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Waco?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Waco vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (11.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 37.5 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 · Waco, TX.