Moving from Paterson, NJ to Austin, TX
Moving from Paterson, NJ to Austin, TX is a 1740 mi cross-country relocation β about 31h 30m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1740 mi Β· 31h 30m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 98.066, putting Austin roughly 12.9% below Paterson on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $528,882 vs $508,530 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 36.3" |
Major climate step-up: 16.9Β°F warmer annual average in Austin vs Paterson.
Effectively snow-free year in Austin β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.2 |
Median household income in Austin is 12.9% above Paterson ($53,766 vs $91,461, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Austin average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Austin compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Austin, TX from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 1740 mi and the route typically takes 31h 30m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 3.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1740 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 70.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Austin more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 12.9% lower than Paterson (98.066 vs 112.563, 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 Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Austin, TX.