Moving from Cleveland, OH to Paterson, NJ
Relocating between Cleveland, OH and Paterson, NJ is a 450 mi drive β 8h 31m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
450 mi Β· 8h 31m by car Β· OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 480, I 271 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Allentown, Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 19.8% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 19.8% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $115,537 to $528,882 moving to Paterson.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Cleveland (52.3Β°F) and Paterson (53.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 3.17 |
Expect median household income to rise 19.8% β $39,187 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 Ohio 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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Paterson, NJ from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 450 mi and the route typically takes 8h 31m via I 80 and I 480. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 37.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 357.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 450 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Paterson more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 19.8% higher than Cleveland (112.563 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Paterson, NJ.