Moving from Madison, WI to Paterson, NJ
Relocating 929 mi from Madison to Paterson is a 17h 29m drive through 6 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.
929 mi Β· 17h 29m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Paterson runs about 15.7% more expensive overall than Madison β RPP 97.287 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $423,767 in Madison to $528,882 in Paterson, a 15.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | β |
Expect 5.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 3.17 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.7% β $76,983 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Madison to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 929 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Paterson more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 15.7% higher than Madison (112.563 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $423,767 in Madison β a 24.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 929 mi and the route typically takes 17h 29m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $76,983 in Madison β a 30.2% 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Paterson, NJ.