Moving from El Paso, TX to Paterson, NJ
A 2183 mi cross-country move between El Paso and Paterson is 38h 51m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2183 mi Β· 38h 51m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Odessa, Midland, Abilene, Fort Worth, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Paso | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.912 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.585 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.248 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP climbs from 89.912 in El Paso to 112.563 in Paterson, putting overall prices 25.2% above the origin.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 25.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $234,775 to $528,882 moving to Paterson.
YoY change: El Paso +1.4%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | El Paso | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | β |
Annual temperature drops 13.1Β°F moving to Paterson per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EL PASO INTL AP, TX US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Paso | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,147 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $58,734 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.8 | 3.17 |
Households in Paterson earn about 25.2% less at the median β 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 Texas 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Paterson, NJ from El Paso, TX?
The driving distance is 2183 mi and the route typically takes 38h 51m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from El Paso to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2183 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 El Paso vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $58,734 in El Paso β a 8.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to El Paso?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $36,000 in the El Paso MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 323,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to El Paso?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $234,775 in El Paso β a 125.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Paterson more expensive than El Paso?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 25.2% higher than El Paso (112.563 vs 89.912, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from El Paso.
City profiles: El Paso, TX Β· Paterson, NJ.