Moving from Hollywood, FL to Elizabeth, NJ

It is 1249 mi between Hollywood and Elizabeth β€” roughly 23h 25m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 9 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.

1249 mi Β· 23h 25m by car Β· FL β†’ GA β†’ SC β†’ NC β†’ VA β†’ DC β†’ MD β†’ DE β†’ NJ

COL -1.4% Home values +21.7% Ξ” -20.6Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1249 mi
Drive time
23h 25m
States
9
Fuel (25 mpg)
50 gal
Route throughFL β†’ GA β†’ SC β†’ NC β†’ VA β†’ DC β†’ MD β†’ DE β†’ NJ
Primary highwaysI 95, NJTP, I 295
Major cities en routeMiami, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Miami Gardens

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

HollywoodElizabethU.S. avg
All items (RPP)114.155112.563100.0
Rents97.235127.018100.0
Goods103.556110.261100.0
Services155.551148.616100.0

No material COL gap at the headline level β€” BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Hollywood β€” typical home
$439,400
Elizabeth β€” typical home
$534,667
Hollywood β€” typical rent
$2,277/mo
Elizabeth β€” typical rent
$2,264/mo

1.4% jump on the typical home value β€” a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.

YoY change: Hollywood -5.8%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsHollywoodElizabeth
Annual avg temperature76Β°F56Β°F
January avg low59Β°F26Β°F
July avg high90Β°F87Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”31.5"
Annual precipitation65.0"46.6"

Annual average temperature gap of 20.6Β°F β€” a meaningful climate change across the move.

Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HOLLYWOOD, FL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023HollywoodElizabeth
Population152,935135,887
Median household income$65,359$63,874
Median age4135.8
Bachelor's degree or higher19.8%9.8%
Avg household size2.532.96

No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Hollywood MSA β€” median wage
$46,510
Elizabeth MSA β€” median wage
$59,390
Hollywood MSA β€” employment
2,721,490
Elizabeth MSA β€” employment
9,495,240

Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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 Florida and New Jersey

Florida income tax
no state income tax
New Jersey income tax
10.75% top marginal

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 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in 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 (20.6Β°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

Is Elizabeth more expensive than Hollywood?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 1.4% lower than Hollywood (112.563 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Hollywood?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $46,510 in the Hollywood MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

When is the best time to move from Hollywood to Elizabeth?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1249 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Hollywood?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $439,400 in Hollywood β€” a 21.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Hollywood vs Elizabeth?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $65,359 in Hollywood β€” a 2.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Hollywood, FL?

The driving distance is 1249 mi and the route typically takes 23h 25m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hollywood.

City profiles: Hollywood, FL Β· Elizabeth, NJ.

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