Moving from Des Moines, IA to Paterson, NJ
A move from Des Moines, IA to Paterson, NJ covers 1097 mi and around 20h 20m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1097 mi Β· 20h 20m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Paterson runs 22.8% higher than Des Moines β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (91.701 β 112.563, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Paterson is 22.8% above Des Moines β $208,166 vs $528,882 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9Β°F) and Paterson (53.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 3.17 |
Median household income in Paterson is 22.8% below Des Moines ($63,966 β $53,766, 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 Iowa 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
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1097 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 154.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Paterson more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 22.8% higher than Des Moines (112.563 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1097 mi and the route typically takes 20h 20m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 15.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA Β· Paterson, NJ.