Moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Elizabeth, NJ
It is 2169 mi and 38h 33m from Salt Lake City to Elizabeth — a cross-country move across 9 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2169 mi · 38h 33m by car · UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | West Valley City, West Jordan, Lincoln, Omaha, Des Moines |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Salt Lake City | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.868 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 79 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.311 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.6% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 11.6% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Salt Lake City +1.6%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Salt Lake City | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.0" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.7" | 46.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Salt Lake City (55.8°F) and Elizabeth (55.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SALT LAKE TRIAD CTR, UT US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salt Lake City | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 203,888 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $74,925 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 33 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.6% lower in Elizabeth than Salt Lake City.
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 Utah 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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 — 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 far is Elizabeth, NJ from Salt Lake City, UT?
The driving distance is 2169 mi and the route typically takes 38h 33m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Salt Lake City and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 55.8°F in Salt Lake City (0.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 49.0 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 17.7 in.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Salt Lake City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 11.6% higher than Salt Lake City (112.563 vs 100.868, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Salt Lake City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $49,440 in the Salt Lake City MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 803,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Salt Lake City vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $74,925 in Salt Lake City — a 14.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Salt Lake City 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 2169 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Salt Lake City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $573,181 in Salt Lake City — a 6.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Salt Lake City.
City profiles: Salt Lake City, UT · Elizabeth, NJ.