Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Paterson, NJ
Cross-country relocations like Gilbert, AZ β Paterson, NJ cover 2417 mi and about 43h 59m of driving through 10 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2417 mi Β· 43h 59m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.0% pricier overall in Paterson than Gilbert on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 9.0% lower in Paterson than Gilbert as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
NOAA normals show Paterson running 18.3Β°F below Gilbert on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 3.17 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.0% between Gilbert 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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 (18.3Β°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 does household income compare in Gilbert vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 55.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 2417 mi and the route typically takes 43h 59m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Paterson more expensive than Gilbert?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 9.0% higher than Gilbert (112.563 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2417 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 Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 7.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gilbert.
City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· Paterson, NJ.