Moving from Manchester, NH to Paterson, NJ
The 249 mi from Manchester to Paterson translate to about 5h 23m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
249 mi Β· 5h 23m by car Β· NJ β NY β CT β MA β NH
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β NY β CT β MA β NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, CT 15, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, New York, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 105.657 in Manchester to 112.563 in Paterson, a 6.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Paterson: 6.5% above Manchester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Manchester | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 13Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | β |
Climate warms by 5.7Β°F on the annual average β 47.4Β°F β 53.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 3.17 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.5% between Manchester and Paterson (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 New Hampshire 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.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
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 Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $435,334 in Manchester β a 21.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 249 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 Manchester vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $77,415 in Manchester β a 30.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Paterson more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 6.5% higher than Manchester (112.563 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 249 mi and the route typically takes 5h 23m via I 95 and CT 15. The trip crosses 5 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 Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH Β· Paterson, NJ.