Moving from Paterson, NJ to Pembroke Pines, FL
Relocating 1278 mi from Paterson to Pembroke Pines is a 24h 3m drive through 9 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.
1278 mi Β· 24h 3m by car Β· FL β GA β SC β NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β SC β NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Pembroke Pines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Paterson and Pembroke Pines sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Pembroke Pines run about 1.4% cheaper β ZHVI $528,882 β $487,422 (2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 62.0" |
Annual average temperature jumps 24.2Β°F β 53.1Β°F in Paterson vs 77.3Β°F in Pembroke Pines, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.67 |
Expect median household income to rise 1.4% β $53,766 β $81,675 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pembroke Pines average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (24.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1278 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 1278 mi and the route typically takes 24h 3m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pembroke Pines compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 7.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Pembroke Pines more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines is 1.4% higher than Paterson (114.155 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 51.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Pembroke Pines, FL.