Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Anaheim is 72% more expensive than Paterson.

$2,082/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 30%
$90,583/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 41%
$771,700 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 57%
$2,165/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 28%
344,553
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $625/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $7,500/year.

Median household income is $36,817/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Paterson — common questions

Is Anaheim or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Paterson?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $625/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Paterson?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $36,817/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Paterson details →

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