Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Elizabeth, NJ
A move from Milwaukee, WI to Elizabeth, NJ covers 875 mi and around 16h 33m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
875 mi · 16h 33m by car · WI → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 16.1% higher than Milwaukee, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 16.1% above Milwaukee — $220,137 vs $534,667 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Milwaukee | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 46.6" |
Elizabeth runs 7.2°F warmer on the annual average (48.3°F vs 55.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 16.1% above Milwaukee ($51,888 vs $63,874, 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 — 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — 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 — 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
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 16.1% higher than Milwaukee (112.563 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $51,888 in Milwaukee — a 23.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 875 mi and the route typically takes 16h 33m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Milwaukee and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 48.3°F in Milwaukee (7.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 39.5 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 33.8 in.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $220,137 in Milwaukee — a 142.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee 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 875 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI · Elizabeth, NJ.