Moving from Paterson, NJ to Pittsburgh, PA
Relocating between Paterson, NJ and Pittsburgh, PA is a 369 mi drive β 7h 16m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
369 mi Β· 7h 16m by car Β· PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, PATP, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Allentown, Elizabeth, Newark, Jersey City, New York |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 15.9% moving from Paterson to Pittsburgh β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $528,882 in Paterson to $237,533 in Pittsburgh, a 15.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 41.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 52.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.21 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 15.9% higher in Pittsburgh than Paterson.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 369 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 15.9% lower than Paterson (94.671 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 369 mi and the route typically takes 7h 16m via I 76 and PATP. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 55.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 19.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 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· Pittsburgh, PA.