Moving from North Charleston, SC to Paterson, NJ
Relocating 757 mi from North Charleston to Paterson is a 14h 36m drive through 7 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.
757 mi Β· 14h 36m by car Β· NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, New York, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| North Charleston | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.962 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.212 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 119.77 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Paterson runs about 11.5% more expensive overall than North Charleston β RPP 100.962 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $309,522 in North Charleston to $528,882 in Paterson, a 11.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: North Charleston -2.5%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | North Charleston | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 52.5" | β |
Expect 13.4Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHARLESTON INTL AP, SC US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | North Charleston | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,460 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $62,789 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.2% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 3.17 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.5% lower in Paterson than North Charleston.
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 South Carolina 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.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in 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 (13.4Β°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 North Charleston vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $62,789 in North Charleston β a 14.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Paterson more expensive than North Charleston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 11.5% higher than North Charleston (112.563 vs 100.962, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Paterson, NJ from North Charleston, SC?
The driving distance is 757 mi and the route typically takes 14h 36m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to North Charleston?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $46,130 in the North Charleston MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 374,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to North Charleston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $309,522 in North Charleston β a 70.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from North Charleston to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 757 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from North Charleston.
City profiles: North Charleston, SC Β· Paterson, NJ.