Moving from Worcester, MA to Elizabeth, NJ
The 192 mi from Worcester to Elizabeth translate to about 4h 11m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
192 mi · 4h 11m by car · MA → CT → NY → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 84, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 102.523 in Worcester to 112.563 in Elizabeth, a 9.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Elizabeth: 9.8% above Worcester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 46.6" |
Climate warms by 7.4°F on the annual average — 48.1°F → 55.5°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.96 |
Income steps down 9.8%: $67,544 in Worcester vs $63,874 in Elizabeth.
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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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 much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 24.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 48.1°F in Worcester (7.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 48.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 192 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 9.8% higher than Worcester (112.563 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 192 mi and the route typically takes 4h 11m via I 95 and I 84. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 5.4% 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Elizabeth, NJ.