Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Elizabeth, NJ
The drive from Minneapolis, MN to Elizabeth, NJ runs 1191 mi β about 22h 13m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1191 mi Β· 22h 13m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Madison, Rockford, Elgin, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 104.822 in Minneapolis to 112.563 in Elizabeth, a 7.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Elizabeth: 7.4% above Minneapolis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 46.6" |
Climate warms by 9.7Β°F on the annual average β 45.8Β°F β 55.5Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 33 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.4% between Minneapolis 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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- 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 much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 61.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 1191 mi and the route typically takes 22h 13m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 7.4% higher than Minneapolis (112.563 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 20.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1191 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Elizabeth, NJ.