Moving from Paterson, NJ to Yonkers, NY
The drive from Paterson to Yonkers covers 25 mi in about 36 min. Local moves still matter β school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
25 mi Β· 36 min by car Β· NY β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 87, I 95 |
| Major cities en route | Stamford, New York, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Yonkers | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Yonkers and Paterson are close on the overall BEA RPP (112.563 vs 112.563); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Yonkers typical home at $680,218 is 0.0% above Paterson at $528,882 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Yonkers +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 51.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 53.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Yonkers sees 32.7 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 209,529 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $81,816 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 19.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.0% between Paterson and Yonkers (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Yonkers MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Yonkers averages 32.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Yonkers averages 51.2 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Yonkers compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $680,218 in Yonkers vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 28.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Yonkers, NY from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 25 mi and the route typically takes 36 min via I 80 and I 87. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Yonkers?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,816 in Yonkers vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 52.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Yonkers?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 25 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 Yonkers compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 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· Yonkers, NY.