Moving from Paterson, NJ to Norfolk, VA
The 357 mi from Paterson to Norfolk translate to about 7h 49m behind the wheel through 4 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.
357 mi Β· 7h 49m by car Β· VA β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 13, NJTP, DE 1 TOLL |
| Major cities en route | Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Philadelphia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Norfolk | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 97.941, putting Norfolk roughly 13.0% 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 Norfolk: 13.0% below Paterson on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 45.7" |
Climate warms by 8.3Β°F on the annual average β 53.1Β°F β 61.4Β°F.
Light snow year: Norfolk gets around 3.0 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.49 |
Income steps up 13.0%: $53,766 in Paterson vs $64,017 in Norfolk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Norfolk MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 19.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 42.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 13.0% lower than Paterson (97.941 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 357 mi and the route typically takes 7h 49m via US 13 and NJTP. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Norfolk?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 357 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Norfolk, VA.