Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Elizabeth, NJ
Cross-country relocations like Gilbert, AZ β Elizabeth, NJ cover 2408 mi and about 43h 60m of driving through 10 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2408 mi Β· 43h 60m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 40, AZ 77 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 9.0% higher than Gilbert, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 9.0% below Gilbert ($534,667 vs $572,507 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 46.6" |
Elizabeth runs 15.9Β°F colder on the annual average (71.4Β°F vs 55.5Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.0% between Gilbert and Elizabeth (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- 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.
- 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
- Winter gear first: Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.9Β°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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2408 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Gilbert vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 47.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Gilbert?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 9.0% higher than Gilbert (112.563 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 2408 mi and the route typically takes 43h 60m via I 70 and I 40. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 6.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gilbert.
City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· Elizabeth, NJ.