Moving from Paterson, NJ to Alexandria, VA
The 240 mi from Paterson to Alexandria translate to about 5h 8m 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.
240 mi Β· 5h 8m by car Β· NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJTP, I 95, MD 295 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, New York, Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Alexandria and Paterson is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Alexandria is 3.3% above Paterson β $528,882 vs $676,205 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 41.8" |
Climate warms by 6.2Β°F on the annual average β 53.1Β°F β 59.3Β°F.
Alexandria averages 13.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.3% between Paterson and Alexandria (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Alexandria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 384,770 | $101,420 |
| Management Occupations | 304,760 | $154,420 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 296,400 | $48,960 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 244,010 | $35,930 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 239,700 | $129,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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-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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Alexandria averages 13.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Virginia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 240 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 Paterson vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 111.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 3.3% lower than Paterson (108.884 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 240 mi and the route typically takes 5h 8m via NJTP and I 95. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 27.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Alexandria, VA.