Moving from Newport News, VA to Paterson, NJ
The 402 mi from Newport News to Paterson translate to about 8h 12m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
402 mi Β· 8h 12m by car Β· VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond, Alexandria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Paterson is 14.9% higher than Newport News, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Paterson is 14.9% above Newport News β $290,660 vs $528,882 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | β |
Climate cools by 6.4Β°F on the annual average β 59.5Β°F β 53.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 3.17 |
Income steps down 14.9%: $66,718 in Newport News vs $53,766 in Paterson.
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 Virginia 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Paterson more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 14.9% higher than Newport News (112.563 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 402 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 Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 82.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Newport News vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 19.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 402 mi and the route typically takes 8h 12m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Newport News.
City profiles: Newport News, VA Β· Paterson, NJ.