Moving from Paterson, NJ to Springfield, IL
A move from Paterson, NJ to Springfield, IL covers 928 mi and around 17h 28m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
928 mi Β· 17h 28m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield is 17.6% cheaper than Paterson overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 17.6% below Paterson β $528,882 vs $163,198 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Paterson (53.1Β°F) and Springfield (52.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 17.6% above Paterson ($53,766 vs $65,537, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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 Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 928 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, IL from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 928 mi and the route typically takes 17h 28m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 69.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 21.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 17.6% lower than Paterson (92.745 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· Springfield, IL.