Moving from Yonkers, NY to Paterson, NJ
The drive from Yonkers to Paterson covers 25 mi in about 36 min. Local moves still matter β school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
25 mi Β· 36 min by car Β· NY β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 87, I 95 |
| Major cities en route | Stamford, New York, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Yonkers | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Paterson and Yonkers is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Paterson is 0.0% below Yonkers β $680,218 vs $528,882 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Yonkers +5.9%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Yonkers | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.2" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Yonkers (53.4Β°F) and Paterson (53.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Yonkers | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,529 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $81,816 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 39 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 3.17 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.0% between Yonkers and Paterson (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
- 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 Yonkers, NY?
The driving distance is 25 mi and the route typically takes 36 min via I 80 and I 87. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Yonkers to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 25 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Yonkers?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Yonkers vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $81,816 in Yonkers β a 34.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Yonkers?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $680,218 in Yonkers β a 22.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Yonkers.
City profiles: Yonkers, NY Β· Paterson, NJ.