Moving from Alexandria, VA to Paterson, NJ
The 240 mi from Alexandria to Paterson translate to about 5h 8m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
240 mi Β· 5h 8m by car Β· NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJTP, I 95, MD 295 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, New York, Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Paterson and Alexandria are close on the overall BEA RPP (108.884 vs 112.563); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Paterson typical home at $528,882 is 3.4% under Alexandria at $676,205 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Alexandria | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | β |
Climate cools by 6.2Β°F on the annual average β 59.3Β°F β 53.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 3.17 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.4% between Alexandria 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 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 far is Paterson, NJ from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 240 mi and the route typically takes 5h 8m via NJTP and I 95. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Paterson more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 3.4% higher than Alexandria (112.563 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $676,205 in Alexandria β a 21.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Alexandria to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 240 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 Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $113,638 in Alexandria β a 52.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA Β· Paterson, NJ.