Moving from Mesa, AZ to Elizabeth, NJ
It is 2403 mi and 43h 49m from Mesa to Elizabeth β a cross-country move across 11 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2403 mi Β· 43h 49m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β WV β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β WV β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 40, AZ 77 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesa | 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 |
Elizabeth runs about 9.0% more expensive overall than Mesa β RPP 103.316 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $435,134 in Mesa to $534,667 in Elizabeth, a 9.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Mesa -1.8%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesa | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 10.8" | 46.6" |
Annual average temperature drops 16.8Β°F β 72.3Β°F in Mesa vs 55.5Β°F in Elizabeth, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Elizabeth sees 31.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E MESA, AZ US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesa | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 507,478 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $78,779 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.0% lower in Elizabeth than Mesa.
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.
- 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
- 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 (16.8Β°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
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $435,134 in Mesa β a 22.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Mesa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 9.0% higher than Mesa (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 Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $48,600 in the Mesa 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.
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2403 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance is 2403 mi and the route typically takes 43h 49m via I 70 and I 40. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mesa vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $78,779 in Mesa β a 18.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mesa.
City profiles: Mesa, AZ Β· Elizabeth, NJ.