Moving from New York, NY to Paterson, NJ
Relocating from New York, NY to Paterson, NJ? The drive is 27 mi β about 49 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
27 mi Β· 49 min by car Β· NY β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJ 3, CR 509, US 1 |
| Major cities en route | Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New York | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 112.563 vs 112.563 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $812,861 to $528,882 moving to Paterson.
YoY change: New York +4.5%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New York | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 24.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.1" | β |
Annual average temperatures in New York (55.5Β°F) and Paterson (53.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New York | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,516,202 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $79,713 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 38 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 3.17 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.0% β $79,713 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 New York 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Paterson compare to New York?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $59,390 in the New York MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Paterson, NJ from New York, NY?
The driving distance is 27 mi and the route typically takes 49 min via NJ 3 and CR 509. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to New York?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $812,861 in New York β a 34.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in New York vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $79,713 in New York β a 32.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from New York to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 27 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New York.
City profiles: New York, NY Β· Paterson, NJ.