Moving from Paterson, NJ to Virginia Beach, VA
Moving from Paterson, NJ to Virginia Beach, VA covers 364 mi and about 7h 59m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
364 mi Β· 7h 59m by car Β· VA β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 13, NJTP, DE 1 TOLL |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Philadelphia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Virginia Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 97.941, putting Virginia Beach roughly 13.0% below Paterson on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Virginia Beach ZHVI at $427,032 is 13.0% below Paterson at $528,882.
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Virginia Beach +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.4" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 46.6" |
Virginia Beach runs 6.7Β°F warmer on the annual average (53.1Β°F vs 59.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Light snow year: Virginia Beach gets around 3.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, OCEANA NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 457,066 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $90,685 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.54 |
Median household income in Virginia Beach is 13.0% above Paterson ($53,766 vs $90,685, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Virginia Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
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 does household income compare in Paterson vs Virginia Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,685 in Virginia Beach vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 68.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Virginia Beach, VA from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 364 mi and the route typically takes 7h 59m via US 13 and NJTP. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Virginia Beach compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $427,032 in Virginia Beach vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 19.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Virginia Beach compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Virginia Beach MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Virginia Beach more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Virginia Beach is 13.0% lower than Paterson (97.941 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 Virginia Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 364 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Virginia Beach, VA.