Moving from Durham, NC to Paterson, NJ
Moving from Durham, NC to Paterson, NJ covers 490 mi and about 9h 48m by car through 6 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
490 mi Β· 9h 48m by car Β· NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 95, NJTP |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Richmond, Alexandria, Baltimore |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Paterson is 15.4% higher than Durham, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Paterson is 15.4% above Durham β $396,395 vs $528,882 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | β |
Paterson is 5.3Β°F cooler on the annual average (58.4Β°F vs 53.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 3.17 |
Median household income in Paterson is 15.4% below Durham ($79,234 vs $53,766, ACS 5-year 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 North Carolina 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $396,395 in Durham β a 33.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Paterson more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 15.4% higher than Durham (112.563 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 490 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Durham vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $79,234 in Durham β a 32.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 490 mi and the route typically takes 9h 48m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Paterson, NJ.