Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Elizabeth, NJ
Relocating between Pittsburgh, PA and Elizabeth, NJ is a 374 mi drive β 7h 6m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
374 mi Β· 7h 6m by car Β· PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, PATP, I 95 |
| Major cities en route | Philadelphia, New York, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pittsburgh | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.671 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.711 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.684 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.986 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Elizabeth runs about 18.9% more expensive overall than Pittsburgh β RPP 94.671 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $237,533 in Pittsburgh to $534,667 in Elizabeth, a 18.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pittsburgh -0.4%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pittsburgh | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.3" | 46.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.4Β°F vs 55.5Β°F per 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: PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pittsburgh | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,620 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $64,137 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.6% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.21 | 2.96 |
Household income lines up β $64,137 vs $63,874 on 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 Pennsylvania 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 household income compare in Pittsburgh vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $64,137 in Pittsburgh β a 0.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Pittsburgh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $237,533 in Pittsburgh β a 125.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Pittsburgh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,071,900 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Pittsburgh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 18.9% higher than Pittsburgh (112.563 vs 94.671, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 374 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Pittsburgh, PA?
The driving distance is 374 mi and the route typically takes 7h 6m via I 76 and PATP. The trip crosses 2 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 Pittsburgh.
City profiles: Pittsburgh, PA Β· Elizabeth, NJ.