Moving from Brockton, MA to Paterson, NJ
Moving from Brockton, MA to Paterson, NJ covers 219 mi and about 4h 47m by car through 5 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.
219 mi Β· 4h 47m by car Β· NJ β NY β CT β RI β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β NY β CT β RI β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 395, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, New York, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brockton | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Paterson and Brockton are close on the overall BEA RPP (108.266 vs 112.563); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 4.0% higher in Paterson than Brockton as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Brockton +1.4%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Brockton | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 34.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.2" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.4Β°F vs 53.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BROCKTON, MA US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brockton | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,080 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $77,089 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.6% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.95 | 3.17 |
Median household income in Paterson is 4.0% below Brockton ($77,089 vs $53,766, ACS 5-year 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 Massachusetts 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 does household income compare in Brockton vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $77,089 in Brockton β a 30.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Brockton, MA?
The driving distance is 219 mi and the route typically takes 4h 47m via I 95 and I 395. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Paterson more expensive than Brockton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 4.0% higher than Brockton (112.563 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Brockton to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 219 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Brockton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $503,833 in Brockton β a 5.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Brockton.
City profiles: Brockton, MA Β· Paterson, NJ.