Moving from St. Paul, MN to Elizabeth, NJ
Relocating 1183 mi from St. Paul to Elizabeth is a 22h 3m drive through 7 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.
1183 mi Β· 22h 3m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Madison, Rockford, Elgin, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Elizabeth runs about 7.4% more expensive overall than St. Paul β RPP 104.822 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 46.6" |
Expect 9.0Β°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: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.4% lower in Elizabeth than St. Paul.
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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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 St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 7.4% higher than St. Paul (112.563 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 1183 mi and the route typically takes 22h 3m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1183 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 St. Paul vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 12.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Elizabeth, NJ.