Moving from Naperville, IL to Elizabeth, NJ
Relocating 810 mi from Naperville to Elizabeth is a 15h 18m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
810 mi Β· 15h 18m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 355 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Elizabeth runs about 8.7% more expensive overall than Naperville β RPP 103.595 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Elizabeth run about 8.7% cheaper β ZHVI $610,454 β $534,667 (2026-03).
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 46.6" |
Expect 6.3Β°F warmer year-round on the 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: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.7% β $150,937 β $63,874 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Illinois 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
- 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 Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 8.7% higher than Naperville (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 12.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 810 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 Naperville vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 57.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 810 mi and the route typically takes 15h 18m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 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 Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Elizabeth, NJ.