Moving from Mobile, AL to Elizabeth, NJ
It is 1208 mi between Mobile and Elizabeth β roughly 22h 30m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 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.
1208 mi Β· 22h 30m by car Β· AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 65, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Montgomery, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Allentown |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Elizabeth is 27.8% more expensive than Mobile on the BEA RPP β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $194,564 in Mobile to $534,667 in Elizabeth, a 27.8% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 46.6" |
Annual temperature drops 13.6Β°F moving to Elizabeth per NOAA 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: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.96 |
Elizabeth households earn about 27.8% more than Mobile at the median β $51,090 β $63,874 on 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 Alabama 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements 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 (13.6Β°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
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1208 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 Mobile vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 25.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 174.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 27.8% higher than Mobile (112.563 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 1208 mi and the route typically takes 22h 30m via I 81 and I 65. The trip crosses 7 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 Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· Elizabeth, NJ.