Moving from Chicago, IL to Paterson, NJ
Relocating 778 mi from Chicago to Paterson is a 14h 28m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
778 mi Β· 14h 28m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Paterson runs about 8.7% more expensive overall than Chicago β RPP 103.595 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $317,283 in Chicago to $528,882 in Paterson, a 8.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 53.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 3.17 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.7% β $75,134 β $53,766 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Illinois 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Paterson more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 8.7% higher than Chicago (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 778 mi and the route typically takes 14h 28m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 66.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 778 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 28.4% 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 Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Paterson, NJ.