Moving from Paterson, NJ to Jersey City, NJ
Moving from Paterson, NJ to Jersey City, NJ is a 20 mi drive, about 28 min by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
20 mi Β· 28 min by car Β· NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJ 3, CR 509, US 1 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Elizabeth, Newark, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Jersey City | 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 |
Jersey City and Paterson are close on the overall BEA RPP (112.563 vs 112.563); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Jersey City typical home at $658,269 is 0.0% above Paterson at $528,882 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 50.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 54.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Jersey City sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Jersey City is 0.0% above Paterson ($53,766 vs $94,813, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City 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.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 76.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 24.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson 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.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 20 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 20 mi and the route typically takes 28 min via NJ 3 and CR 509. The trip crosses 1 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 Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Jersey City, NJ.