Moving from Paterson, NJ to Richmond, VA
Relocating between Paterson, NJ and Richmond, VA is a 338 mi drive β 7h 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.
338 mi Β· 7h by car Β· VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, GSP |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Elizabeth, Newark |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Expect about 13.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Richmond at 97.858 vs Paterson at 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $528,882 to $369,646 moving to Richmond.
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 45.5" |
Expect 5.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Richmond averages 8.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.23 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 13.1% higher in Richmond than Paterson.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Richmond, VA from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 338 mi and the route typically takes 7h via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Richmond more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 13.1% lower than Paterson (97.858 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 Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 338 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 16.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 30.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Richmond, VA.