Moving from Paterson, NJ to Springfield, MA
Relocating between Paterson, NJ and Springfield, MA is a 148 mi drive β 3h 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.
148 mi Β· 3h 16m by car Β· NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 91, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, New York, Yonkers |
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 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 14.7% moving from Paterson to Springfield 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 $294,613 in Springfield, a 14.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 45.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 49.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.67 |
Household income lines up β $53,766 vs $51,339 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 4.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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 148 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 44.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 14.7% lower than Paterson (96.061 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, MA from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 148 mi and the route typically takes 3h 16m via I 95 and I 91. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Springfield, MA.