Moving from Birmingham, AL to Paterson, NJ
Relocating 960 mi from Birmingham to Paterson is a 17h 57m drive through 8 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.
960 mi Β· 17h 57m by car Β· AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Chattanooga, Knoxville, Allentown, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Paterson is 22.8% above Birmingham β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
22.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Birmingham | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | β |
Expect 10.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 3.17 |
Expect median household income to rise 22.8% β $44,376 β $53,766 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Paterson 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 Alabama 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Paterson, NJ from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 960 mi and the route typically takes 17h 57m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 960 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Paterson more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 22.8% higher than Birmingham (112.563 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 509,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $44,376 in Birmingham β a 21.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $135,870 in Birmingham β a 289.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL Β· Paterson, NJ.