Moving from Paterson, NJ to Naperville, IL
Relocating 804 mi from Paterson to Naperville is a 15h drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
804 mi Β· 15h by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 355 |
| 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 | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 8.0% moving from Paterson to Naperville β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Naperville run about 8.0% pricier β ZHVI $528,882 β $610,454 (2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 49.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.75 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.0% β $53,766 β $150,937 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 15.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Naperville more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 8.0% lower than Paterson (103.595 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 Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 804 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Naperville, IL from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 804 mi and the route typically takes 15h via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 180.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Naperville, IL.