Moving from Syracuse, NY to Paterson, NJ
Moving from Syracuse, NY to Paterson, NJ covers 236 mi and about 4h 44m by car through 3 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.
236 mi Β· 4h 44m by car Β· NJ β PA β NY
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 80, I 380 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, New York, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Paterson is 17.6% higher than Syracuse, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Paterson is 17.6% above Syracuse β $210,251 vs $528,882 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Syracuse | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Syracuse (48.5Β°F) and Paterson (53.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 3.17 |
Median household income in Paterson is 17.6% above Syracuse ($45,845 β $53,766, ACS 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 New York 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Paterson, NJ from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 236 mi and the route typically takes 4h 44m via I 81 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 236 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Paterson more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 17.6% higher than Syracuse (112.563 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $210,251 in Syracuse β a 151.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $45,845 in Syracuse β a 17.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 294,490 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 Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY Β· Paterson, NJ.