Moving from Pasadena, TX to Paterson, NJ
It is 1621 mi and 30h 5m from Pasadena to Paterson β a cross-country move across 10 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1621 mi Β· 30h 5m by car Β· NJ β PA β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Paterson runs about 14.1% more expensive overall than Pasadena β RPP 98.629 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $217,449 in Pasadena to $528,882 in Paterson, a 14.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | β |
Annual average temperature drops 18.0Β°F β 71.1Β°F in Pasadena vs 53.1Β°F in Paterson, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 3.17 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 14.1% lower in Paterson than Pasadena.
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 Texas 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.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in 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 (18.0Β°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
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 143.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Paterson more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 14.1% higher than Pasadena (112.563 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1621 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 Pasadena vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 16.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 1621 mi and the route typically takes 30h 5m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 10 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 Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Paterson, NJ.