Moving from Paterson, NJ to Akron, OH
The 427 mi from Paterson to Akron translate to about 8h 1m behind the wheel through 3 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.
427 mi Β· 8h 1m by car Β· OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, SR 8 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Allentown, Elizabeth, Newark, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 93.37, putting Akron roughly 17.1% below Paterson on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Akron: 17.1% below Paterson on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 32.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.26 |
Income steps down 17.1%: $53,766 in Paterson vs $48,544 in Akron.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Akron MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 39,390 | $41,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 35,340 | $38,160 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 28,050 | $35,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,940 | $28,550 |
| Production Occupations | 25,300 | $41,600 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 much do homes cost in Akron compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 73.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 9.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 17.1% lower than Paterson (93.37 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Akron, OH from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 427 mi and the route typically takes 8h 1m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 427 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 Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Akron, OH.