Moving from Paterson, NJ to Newark, NJ
Moving from Paterson, NJ to Newark, NJ is a 16 mi drive, about 24 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.
16 mi Β· 24 min by car Β· NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJ 21, NJ 20, US 46 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, New York, Jersey City, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Newark | 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 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Paterson (112.563) and Newark (112.563) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Newark ZHVI at $478,455 is 0.0% below Paterson at $528,882.
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 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" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Newark.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.7 |
Median household income in Newark is 0.0% below Paterson ($53,766 β $48,416, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark 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: Newark 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: Newark 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 Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 10.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 16 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 9.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark 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.
How far is Newark, NJ from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 16 mi and the route typically takes 24 min via NJ 21 and NJ 20. 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· Newark, NJ.