Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Paterson, NJ
It is 2411 mi and 43h 54m from Scottsdale to Paterson β a cross-country move across 10 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2411 mi Β· 43h 54m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Paterson runs about 9.0% more expensive overall than Scottsdale β RPP 103.316 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $858,022 in Scottsdale to $528,882 in Paterson, a 9.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | β |
Annual average temperature drops 16.5Β°F β 69.6Β°F in Scottsdale vs 53.1Β°F in Paterson, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 3.17 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.0% β $107,372 β $53,766 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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.
- Register to vote in New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2411 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 Scottsdale vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 49.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 2411 mi and the route typically takes 43h 54m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Paterson more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 9.0% higher than Scottsdale (112.563 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 38.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Paterson, NJ.