Moving from Paterson, NJ to Chesapeake, VA
Relocating between Paterson, NJ and Chesapeake, VA is a 372 mi drive β 8h 13m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
372 mi Β· 8h 13m by car Β· VA β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 13, NJTP, DE 1 TOLL |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Philadelphia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Chesapeake | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Expect about 13.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Chesapeake at 97.941 vs Paterson at 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $528,882 to $420,756 moving to Chesapeake.
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Chesapeake +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Chesapeake |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 48.6" |
Expect 9.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, FENTRESS NAAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Chesapeake |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 251,153 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $94,189 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 22.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.0% β $53,766 β $94,189 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chesapeake MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Chesapeake average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
How does the job market in Chesapeake compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Chesapeake?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,189 in Chesapeake vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 75.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chesapeake, VA from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 372 mi and the route typically takes 8h 13m via US 13 and NJTP. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Chesapeake compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $420,756 in Chesapeake vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 20.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chesapeake more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chesapeake is 13.0% lower than Paterson (97.941 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Chesapeake?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 372 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 Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Chesapeake, VA.