Moving from Baltimore, MD to Paterson, NJ
The 193 mi from Baltimore to Paterson translate to about 4h 2m behind the wheel through 3 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.
193 mi Β· 4h 2m by car Β· MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJTP, I 95, GSP |
| Major cities en route | Philadelphia, Elizabeth, Newark, New York, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 104.487 in Baltimore to 112.563 in Paterson, a 7.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Paterson: 7.7% above Baltimore on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | β |
Climate cools by 6.0Β°F on the annual average β 59.1Β°F β 53.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 3.17 |
Income steps down 7.7%: $59,623 in Baltimore vs $53,766 in Paterson.
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 Maryland 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 193 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Paterson more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 7.7% higher than Baltimore (112.563 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 181.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 193 mi and the route typically takes 4h 2m via NJTP and I 95. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 9.8% 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 Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Paterson, NJ.