Moving from Newark, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ
Moving from Newark, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ is a 5.0 mi drive, about 11 min by car. This is a local relocation — same-day moves are typical — but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
5.0 mi · 11 min by car · NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 1, US 9, NJ 21 |
| Major cities en route | Paterson, New York, Jersey City, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Newark (112.563) and Elizabeth (112.563) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Elizabeth at $534,667 is 0.0% above Newark at $478,455.
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Newark | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 46.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 0.0% above Newark ($48,416 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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $478,455 in Newark — a 11.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Newark and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 54.8°F in Newark (0.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 50.4 in.
How does household income compare in Newark vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $48,416 in Newark — a 31.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 5.0 mi and the route typically takes 11 min via US 1 and US 9. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Newark?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $59,390 in the Newark MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Newark 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 5.0 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 Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ · Elizabeth, NJ.