Moving from Overland Park, KS to Paterson, NJ
A move from Overland Park, KS to Paterson, NJ covers 1220 mi and around 22h 57m of driving through 7 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1220 mi Β· 22h 57m by car Β· KS β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 80, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Overland Park | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 21.6% higher overall in Paterson vs Overland Park on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Paterson at $528,882 is 21.6% above Overland Park at $482,295.
YoY change: Overland Park +5.0%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Overland Park | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Overland Park | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,199 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $103,838 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.5% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 3.17 |
Median household income in Paterson is 21.6% below Overland Park ($103,838 vs $53,766, 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 Kansas 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
- 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
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Overland Park?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Overland Park?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $482,295 in Overland Park β a 9.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Overland Park, KS?
The driving distance is 1220 mi and the route typically takes 22h 57m via I 70 and I 80. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Overland Park vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $103,838 in Overland Park β a 48.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Overland Park to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1220 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Paterson more expensive than Overland Park?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 21.6% higher than Overland Park (112.563 vs 92.543, 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 Overland Park.
City profiles: Overland Park, KS Β· Paterson, NJ.