Moving from Richmond, VA to Paterson, NJ
It is a 338 mi drive, roughly 7h, between Richmond, VA and Paterson, NJ. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
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
| Richmond | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.858 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.221 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.773 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.136 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Paterson runs about 15.0% more expensive overall than Richmond β RPP 97.858 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $369,646 in Richmond to $528,882 in Paterson, a 15.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Richmond +1.4%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richmond | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 29Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.5" | β |
Annual temperature drops 5.8Β°F moving to Paterson per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $62,671 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 3.17 |
Households in Paterson earn about 15.0% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Paterson 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.
Moving between Virginia and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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 the job market in Paterson compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $48,470 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 647,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $62,671 in Richmond β a 14.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $369,646 in Richmond β a 43.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Paterson?
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 far is Paterson, NJ from Richmond, VA?
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.
Is Paterson more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 15.0% higher than Richmond (112.563 vs 97.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, VA Β· Paterson, NJ.