Moving from Paterson, NJ to Dayton, OH
A move from Paterson, NJ to Dayton, OH covers 619 mi and around 11h 39m of driving through 3 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.
619 mi Β· 11h 39m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 71, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 92.694, putting Dayton roughly 17.7% below Paterson on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Dayton: 17.7% below Paterson on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 41.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 17.7% below Paterson ($53,766 β $43,454, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 19.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dayton, OH from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 619 mi and the route typically takes 11h 39m via I 80 and I 71. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 74.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 619 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dayton more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 17.7% lower than Paterson (92.694 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Dayton, OH.