Moving from Boston, MA to Paterson, NJ
It is a 221 mi drive, roughly 4h 41m, between Boston, MA and Paterson, NJ. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
221 mi Β· 4h 41m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 95, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Boston | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 3.17 |
Paterson households earn about 4.0% less than Boston at the median β $94,755 β $53,766 on ACS 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 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 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Paterson more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 4.0% higher than Boston (112.563 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $94,755 in Boston β a 43.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Boston to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 221 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 221 mi and the route typically takes 4h 41m via I 90 and I 95. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $798,217 in Boston β a 33.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA Β· Paterson, NJ.