Moving from New Orleans, LA to Paterson, NJ
A move from New Orleans, LA to Paterson, NJ covers 1293 mi and around 24h 1m of driving through 10 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.
1293 mi Β· 24h 1m by car Β· LA β MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Allentown |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Paterson runs 21.6% higher than New Orleans β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (92.597 β 112.563, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Paterson is 21.6% above New Orleans β $242,493 vs $528,882 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | β |
Paterson runs 17.8Β°F colder on the annual average (70.9Β°F vs 53.1Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 3.17 |
Median household incomes in New Orleans ($55,339) and Paterson ($53,766) are within a few percent (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 Louisiana 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Paterson more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 21.6% higher than New Orleans (112.563 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1293 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 New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 118.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Paterson, NJ from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 1293 mi and the route typically takes 24h 1m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in New Orleans vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 2.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· Paterson, NJ.