Moving from Raleigh, NC to Paterson, NJ
Relocating between Raleigh, NC and Paterson, NJ is a 490 mi drive β 9h 60m 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.
490 mi Β· 9h 60m by car Β· NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 85, NJTP |
| Major cities en route | Durham, Cary, Richmond, Alexandria, Baltimore |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Raleigh | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Paterson runs about 14.7% more expensive overall than Raleigh β RPP 98.157 β 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $433,996 in Raleigh to $528,882 in Paterson, a 14.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Raleigh -2.3%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Raleigh | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | β |
Expect 8.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RALEIGH STATE UNIV, NC US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Raleigh | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 470,763 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $82,424 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.5% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 3.17 |
Expect median household income to fall 14.7% β $82,424 β $53,766 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Paterson 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 North Carolina and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Raleigh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $48,800 in the Raleigh MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Raleigh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $433,996 in Raleigh β a 21.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Raleigh, NC?
The driving distance is 490 mi and the route typically takes 9h 60m via I 95 and I 85. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Raleigh vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $82,424 in Raleigh β a 34.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Paterson more expensive than Raleigh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 14.7% higher than Raleigh (112.563 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 490 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Raleigh.
City profiles: Raleigh, NC Β· Paterson, NJ.