Moving from Madison, WI to Elizabeth, NJ
It is 933 mi between Madison and Elizabeth β roughly 17h 43m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 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.
933 mi Β· 17h 43m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.7% above Madison β 97.287 β 112.563 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.7% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 46.6" |
Annual temperature rises 8.3Β°F moving to Elizabeth per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.96 |
Households in Elizabeth earn about 15.7% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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.
- 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
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 15.7% higher than Madison (112.563 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 933 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 Madison vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $76,983 in Madison β a 17.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $423,767 in Madison β a 26.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 933 mi and the route typically takes 17h 43m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Elizabeth, NJ.