Moving from Springfield, MA to Paterson, NJ
It is a 148 mi drive, roughly 3h 16m, between Springfield, MA and Paterson, NJ. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
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
| Springfield | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 17.2% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 17.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $294,613 to $528,882 moving to Paterson.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (49.4Β°F) and Paterson (53.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 3.17 |
Median household incomes in Springfield ($51,339) and Paterson ($53,766) are within a few percent (ACS 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 Massachusetts 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
- 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 much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 79.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Paterson?
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 does household income compare in Springfield vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 4.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Paterson more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 17.2% higher than Springfield (112.563 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Springfield, MA?
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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Paterson, NJ.