Moving from Worcester, MA to Paterson, NJ
The 183 mi from Worcester to Paterson translate to about 3h 56m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
183 mi Β· 3h 56m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 84, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.8% pricier overall in Paterson than Worcester on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Paterson typical home at $528,882 is 9.8% above Worcester at $430,112 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Worcester | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | β |
Climate warms by 5.0Β°F on the annual average β 48.1Β°F β 53.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 3.17 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.8% between Worcester and Paterson (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 far is Paterson, NJ from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 183 mi and the route typically takes 3h 56m via I 95 and I 84. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Paterson more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 9.8% higher than Worcester (112.563 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $67,544 in Worcester β a 20.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $430,112 in Worcester β a 23.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Worcester to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 183 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA Β· Paterson, NJ.